A Queen Reigns at Windsor
Tue 04 Jul 2023
WINNER 59 OF 2023: ABSOLUTE QUEEN trained by George Boughey and ridden by William Buick : The 'Play With The Finest Bookmaker, Fitzdares Fillies' Handicap' over 1m 3.5f at Windsor.
Coming here on the back of her win at Bath on June 17th, this race was her first try over further than the 1m 2f she has been used to this year. No pressure in the build up to the race, with her jockey William Buick already riding a treble at the meeting!
Taking a keen hold early on, she was prominent and travelling in third. As the pace increased in the final 4 furlongs, the group tightened up and William had to wait for room. Having to switch left to see daylight and ridden, she made good headway to lead over 1f out. Pressed for the lead inside the final furlong, she kept on well and just prevailed from the favourite, back in 2nd.
So, yes, a Champion jockey four-timer!!
Watch the full race replay here: https://www.attheraces.com/racecard/Windsor/03-July-2023/1915
Timeform rated it as a career best 79 saying: "Followed up her Bath success from a 4 lb higher mark, seeing the further trip out well given she was plenty keen enough early on; handy, not settle fully, going well when not clear run over 2f out, quickened to lead approaching final 1f, joined soon after, edged ahead again post.”
William said in his post race interview with Matt Chapman: "The plan was to get her in as she was just over racing a bit early on and this was further than she had run before. It was a matter of finding the gaps and she really did battle on well when the second horse came to her. She is very genuine.”
See the official photo gallery here: https://www.francescaaltoft.co.uk/royal-windsor
Syndicate manager Mike says: "Many congratulations to William on his four-timer! It was a good, well judged ride and he found the gaps when he needed, with the filly responding well in the finish. She has really blossomed this year and we could see her take more races for her owners. Many of her syndicate were in attendance and were delighted with their second win with her. Well done to them and to George and his team."