Hot on the heels of Hector Crouch breaking his Royal Ascot duck, Jason Hart did the same aboard Highfield Princess in the Buckingham Palace Handicap, the final race of a thrilling day three.
The Buckingham Palace Handicap over seven furlongs was one of six additional races to be run at Royal Ascot in 2020 – having moved aside to accommodate the Commonwealth Cup in 2015 – and has been retained as part of the expanded seven-race daily programme.
A 28-strong field lined up for this year’s edition, but it was the only filly in the race, Highfield Princess (18/1), that came home best to give trainer John Quinn a fourth Royal Ascot success.
Danyah (10/1) took second, a length and a quarter behind the winner, with Riot (18/1) and Lord Rapscallion (25/1) taking the minor honours.
Hart said: “I was on the sharp end the whole way. Highfield Princess pulled herself to the front and I didn’t want to disappoint her.
“Two furlongs down, I gave her some extra reign and she pulled clear. I think the way the race panned out really suited her and the ground by the rail suited her.
“I thought she was at the top of her mark, but clearly not. She started off 54 and has just kept improving with racing. Hopefully, she can get some Black Type now.
“This is a filly with a tremendous attitude. She was bred by the owners, who are also the landlord of the boss, so it’s pretty special.”