The Wesley Ward and John Velazquez Show

I love it. After winning last out in maiden claiming company at Churchill Downs, Strike The Tiger won the $81,000 Windsor Castle Stakes over the grass course at Royal Ascot. The two-year-old son of Tiger Ridge became the first U.S. horse to win at Royal Ascot. He was shipped across the pond along with several other horses by ace trainer Wesley Ward. He was ridden to victory by John Velazquez.

If you didn’t know, Royal Ascot is one of the highest quality race meets in the entire world. It lasts five days and is one of the most important social events in England. It is so important that even the Queen is in attendance. There are over 15 Group Stakes (Graded Stakes) and at least one Group 1 race per day. Click here for more information about Royal Ascot.

As if winning a single race wasn’t enough, Ward and Velazquez took the five furlong Group 2 Queen Mary’s Stakes with Jealous Again the very next day. The daughter of Trippi won in wire to wire fashion and was never in danger of losing the race. She finished five lengths clear of the second place finisher. Her last start resulted in a second place finish in the Kentucky Juvenile Stakes at Churchill Downs. The winner of that race, Aegean, will also be racing at Royal Ascot.

Wesley Ward is among the best trainers in the United States with two-year-olds. John Velazquez is among my top five favorite jockeys and a great rider overall. I commend them for taking a chance racing overseas and winning. After we Americans got our asses handed to us in the Breeders Cup by the Europeans it sure feels nice to see one of ours win across the pond. Keep up the good work!