King's horse finishes second in Duke of Edinburgh Stakes at Royal Ascot

Warrant Holder finished second in the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes at Royal Ascot. The four-year-old thoroughbred, trained by John and Thady Gosden, took the lead with two furlongs remaining but was passed in the closing stages by Opportunity. The horse started as the 16-5 second favorite and moved through the field before seizing command of the mile-and-a-half handicap.

Opportunity, ridden by New Zealand jockey James McDonald for trainer William Haggas, won by nearly two lengths.

Race details Spectators in the grandstands reacted as the royal runner took the lead. King Charles watched from the Royal Box and showed visible reactions during the final stages. John and Thady Gosden said the result reflected the horse's effort from an outside draw.

"That was a super run, and I'm really thrilled with him," John Gosden stated. The trainer noted that the winner benefited from a shorter route and a 5 lb weight advantage. He added that the horse performed well despite starting from stall 17. The royal colors have not recorded a win at Royal Ascot since Desert Hero's victory in 2023.