China Horse Club’s stallion portfolio enjoyed a memorable Royal Ascot, with Dark Angel, Havana Grey, Justify and New Bay all making their presence felt across one of the most important weeks on the international racing calendar.
From Group 1 sprinting brilliance to juvenile speed, mile performance, staying power and extreme stamina, the quartet underlined the depth and diversity of CHC’s stallion interests on a stage where commercial reputation and elite racecourse performance meet.
Dark Angel supplied one of the defining sprint moments of the week when Almeraq produced a powerful late surge to win the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes over six furlongs. Trained by William Haggas for Shadwell, Almeraq announced himself at the highest level with a performance that carried both speed and toughness, adding another Royal Ascot highlight to the remarkable record of his sire.
Already firmly established as one of Europe’s most reliable sources of high-class speed, Dark Angel once again demonstrated his enduring influence. Royal Ascot has often been a showcase for his stock and Almeraq’s victory reinforced the grey stallion’s standing as a proven source of elite sprinting talent.
Havana Grey also enjoyed a standout week, led by Orthodox’s authoritative success in the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes over five furlongs. The Clive Cox-trained colt showed sharp acceleration and professionalism to remain unbeaten, while fellow Havana Grey colt El Floridita completed a notable sire quinella by finishing second.
The result was a strong advertisement for Havana Grey’s continued rise. Already recognised as one of the most exciting young speed influences in Europe, he again demonstrated his ability to produce precocious, fast and commercially desirable juveniles capable of performing under the pressure of Royal Ascot.
Justify’s impact came through a different lens, showcasing scope, class and stamina. The Triple Crown winner was represented by Gold Cup hero Scandinavia, who delivered a major staying victory over two and a half miles for Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore. In a further show of force, Justify also struck with his juveniles, with Nola Soul leading home On Just Terms in a Chesham Stakes 1-2 over seven furlongs. That result added depth to an outstanding Ascot week, highlighting his ability to sire quality two-year-olds with the range to excel over the seven-furlong test.
New Bay completed the CHC stallion quartet’s Royal Ascot success through a pair of Royal Ascot winners. Limestone landed the Group 2 Queen’s Vase over 1m6f for Joseph O’Brien and Dylan Browne McMonagle, while Daiquiri Bay added further depth to the week when taking out the Copper Horse Stakes over the same distance for Alan King and Rossa Ryan. His week was further strengthened by Symbol Of Majesty’s runner-up finish in the Sandringham Stakes over a mile, adding a notable mile placing to the two staying victories. Together, the performances pointed to stamina, progression and versatility, all traits that continue to enhance New Bay’s reputation as an increasingly important European stallion.
The combined results made for a powerful Royal Ascot statement. Dark Angel delivered at Group 1 sprint level, Havana Grey dominated a key juvenile speed test, Justify made his mark through both staying class and two-year-old promise, and New Bay added a particularly deep body of work through two winners and a major placing.
For CHC, the week was another endorsement of a stallion strategy built around identification, conviction and execution. At Royal Ascot, where elite performance is tested in its sharpest form, Dark Angel, Havana Grey, Justify and New Bay delivered a collective result of real substance and continued promise for the future.