Blueblood Stallion Wins G1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes

Tara Madgwick - Thursday June 20
Blueblood Sea the Stars stallion Crystal Ocean made light of the pouring rain at Royal Ascot overnight to score his first Group I win in in the Prince of Wales's Stakes (1m2f).

Crystal Ocean - image Royal Ascot TwitterTrained by Sir Michael Stoute for his owner breeder Sir Evelyn de Rothscild, Crystal Ocean scored a length and a quarter win over Coolmore's star Galileo mare Magical, who was gallant in defeat as the favourite.

Winner of the Group II Hardwicke Stakes at this meeting last year, the five year-old was Group I placed twice last year and was in hot form coming into this race with Group wins at his first two runs back this year.

"He was very tough," said winning rider Frankie Dettori. "I decided I had to kick around the turn and get them all at it. He responded well and kept going, so I was sure it would take a good one to get past me."

Owner Sir Evelyn de Rothschild is keen that his homebred hero will get the chance to sire progeny of his own.

"When you look at his record he has been quite amazing," said De Rothschild. "I hope someone at some point will take him to a stud somewhere. I want to race him for the whole of this year and then I'll see if someone gets excited."

Crystal Ocean has the overall record of eight wins and seven placings from 15 starts and is a sibling to Group I winner Hillstar, Group II winner Crystal Capella and stakes-winner Crystal Zvezda from blue hen stakes-winner Crystal Star.

Crystal Ocean is the 11th Group I winner for Galileo's half-brother Sea the Stars, who was making news in Australia earlier this week when one of his daughters topped the broodmare section of the Inglis Great Southern Sale. Read about Queen of the World here.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Equimillion This Long Weekend – Draws and Start Lists
Racing NSW have their annual Equimillion event coming up this long weekend at Sydney International Equestrian Centre at Horsley Park and for people interested in off the trackers it’s a showcase for the sport, so let’s take a look at who’s who in the zoo.
2025 G1 The Metropolitan Field and Barrier Draw
Chris Waller and Ciaron Maher are set to have half of the Group I Metropolitan field between them with the Waller trained Birdman an easing favourite after drawing a wide gate for Saturday’s race.
420k NZ Ready to Run Purchase Looks the Goods
Progressive three-year-old Sulek notched his first victory when landing the MRC Foundation Pin & Win Plate (1400m) at Sandown on Wednesday for trainer Dominic Sutton.
Godolphin’s Lonhro Filly Proficient On Debut
From the penultimate crop of Darley’s Champion Sire Lonhro, the Ben, Will and JD Hayes trained 3yo filly Proficient started the race favourite, winning the Sportsbet Race Previews Plate (1000m) at Sandown Hillside in a fighting finish. 
Almanzor Mare Chasing More Black Type
Group Two performer Mary Shan will be in search of an elusive stakes victory when she heads south to Hawera on Saturday where she will contest the Gr.3 Grangewilliam Stud Breeders’ Stakes (1400m).
Promising Victory For Too Darn Hot’s Ripley
Racing in the same Qatar Bloodstock coloured silks worn to victory on Friday night by West of Swindon (Wootton Bassett) in the Group 2 Stutt Stakes, 3yo Too Darn Hot colt Ripley highlighted his future potential with a two-length maiden victory at Rosehill on Wednesday.
Swettenham Stud Delighted with Lofty Strike Foals
Swettenham Stud are delighted with the growing buzz of excitement surrounding the first foals for young gun sire Lofty Strike.
Sires With Winners - Tuesday September 30
Here is the full list of 27 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Bryce Bevan Appointed Head of Digital at Magic Millions
Magic Millions' commitment to conduct online thoroughbred auctions has received a huge boost with today's announcement that Bryce Bevan has been appointed as Head of Digital.
Magic Trials at Caulfield Heath
Early season two-year-olds will step out this Thursday, 2 October, at the Caulfield Spring Trials presented by Magic Millions, with 800m 2YO heats following the opening trial for Group performers at 7:30am on the Caulfield Heath.