Almeraq wins Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot

Almeraq won the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes in a pulsating photo finish at Ascot.

The four-year-old French colt burst through on the far side with a furlong to go, pipping Japan’s Satono Reve and Australia’s Joliestar.

For a second-straight year, Satono Reve finished second while third-placed Joliestar was the pre-race favourite.

For victorious jockey Tom Marquand this was his third victory across Ascot this year, while trainer William Haggas collected his fourth triumph.

Almeraq’s win completed a worrying nine month after he fell at York last September, which left his regular rider Jim Crowley needing surgery on a pelvic and leg fracture.

‘I’m not just saying this for effect, genuinely my first thought when I thought I’d won was for Jim,’ said Marquand.

‘This horse and him both took horror falls at the back end of last year. Jim’s fighting for his career – he should be aboard this horse. It’s his [ride].

‘It’s great to have him here and hopefully he can find a bit of pleasure seeing this lad get up off the ground and win a big one.’