Field Of Gold turns on style at Royal Ascot
OUT ON HIS OWN: Field Of Gold powers to victory in the hands of Colin Keane. Picture: John Walton/PA
Field Of Gold lit up the first day of Royal Ascot with a dominant display in the St James’s Palace Stakes.
John and Thady Gosden’s colt had been a fast-finishing second behind Ruling Court in the 2000 Guineas before easily winning the Irish equivalent, while the French Guineas winner Henri Matisse was also running.
🗣 "Good horses make it look easy."
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) June 17, 2025
🗣 "At this moment, he's the best horse I've sat on."
Colin Keane after winning the St James' Palace Stakes with Field of Gold! pic.twitter.com/kuHQxkA9Nw
There was no doubt who emerged as the best of the three though, as Colin Keane breezed through on the 8-11 favourite before bursting clear to beat Henri Matisse by three and a half lengths, with Ruling Court back in third.
Field Of Gold has now charted the same route as his sire Kingman, who also suffered defeat at Newmarket before gaining Irish redemption and adding Royal Ascot glory when trained by John Gosden.
“Like father, like son,” said Gosden, in reference to Kingman’s win in 2014. “The nerves may have got to the trainer beforehand but thankfully not to the horse or the jockey.
For Juddmonte’s new retained rider it capped a fine first week in the hot seat for the Abdullah family, with the six-time Irish champion in no doubt he is in a privileged position, handed the reins to an exceptional talent.
Keane said: “He’s a special horse and I’m lucky enough to join this team and to have a horse like him early on is amazing. I’ve had nothing compared to this and it’s very special.
“He just proved what he did at the Curragh wasn’t a mistake and it’s similar to revving a motorbike, when you ask him it’s instant.
“Without a doubt he’s the best I’ve ridden. The next best would be Siskin who was in the same colours, but this lad is a level above, he’s very special. I’m in a very privileged position to be in these colours and getting a horse like him is unbelievable.
“I wasn’t nervous, but there was plenty of anticipation and it was a very good renewal of the race.
“It was three Guineas winners taking each other on, but he’s won like a very good horse.
“I couldn’t wish for a better start, but when you’re riding for this operation and this is the quality of horse you get, these are the opportunities you get and it’s very special but also a bit of relief.
“He’s following in the right footsteps and he just seems to be a horse who is getting better with racing and you can see the way he relaxes now. I’m just the man fortunate enough to be stepping in on him at the right time.”
Gosden admitted the Irish 2,000 Guineas had not originally been part of Field Of Gold’s intended campaign, which could influence where the colt heads next.
He added: “It was never the plan to go to Ireland and he’s had a trial and two Guineas and now this which is a lot of racing and we’re not even halfway through the season yet.
“Maybe (we’ll) freshen him up now and go to the Sussex, but we will see. If we hadn’t gone to Ireland, I would have been keen to go to the Eclipse.
“When they win like that and make it look easy they do take a lot out of themselves and I don’t want to be someone seen running him back quick in an Eclipse straight off the back of this.”
The writing was on the wall early for Ruling Court who never looked likely to confirm form with Field Of Gold.
“William (Buick) said he was never really travelling comfortably and at this level you need to be able to get up there and travel on the bridle to give your horse a breather,” said Charlie Appleby.
“It might be a bit too soon to say we’ll be looking at an Eclipse but working back from the Juddmonte will be the most likely target.” Aidan O’Brien indicated Henri Matisse would likely stick at a mile.
