Limestone conquers Royal Ascot in Queen's Vase thriller
- Jun 17
- 1 min read
LIMESTONE delivered the biggest performance of his career to date when landing the Queen's Vase Gr.2 at Royal Ascot on Wednesday, prevailing by a nose after a gripping finish over a mile and six furlongs.
Representing the Valmont / Al Shaqab Racing / Ballylinch Stud partnership, the Joseph O'Brien-trained colt demonstrated both class and determination to emerge on top in one of the meeting's most prestigious contests for staying three-year-olds.
Ridden by Dylan Browne McMonagle, LIMESTONE travelled strongly throughout before being asked for his effort in the straight. The response was immediate, but victory was far from straightforward as Del Maro launched a sustained challenge inside the final furlong. The pair drew clear in the closing stages, with LIMESTONE finding enough to hold his rival by the narrowest of margins at the line.
The success provided a notable breakthrough at Pattern level and continued an impressive progression that has gathered momentum throughout the spring. Having returned this season with victories at Cork and in the Yeats Stakes at Navan, LIMESTONE arrived at Ascot as one of the leading contenders and justified that reputation on racing's biggest stage.
Bred by Ballylinch Stud, LIMESTONE is a son of New Bay and the Duke Of Marmalade mare Modernstone. Wednesday's victory was his fourth from six career starts and confirmed his credentials among the leading staying three-year-olds of his generation.
