The 2024 Royal Ascot meeting is set to be a showcase of American racing prowess, with Wesley Ward's stable leading the charge. Ward, a renowned trainer known for his success at Royal Ascot, has a strong team of horses ready to take on the prestigious event. With a focus on two-year-olds and a mix of seasoned and promising newcomers, Ward aims to make a significant impact.
One of the key attractions is Outfielder, a horse with a unique racing journey. Last year, he missed the Royal Ascot meeting due to a minor shin issue, but he made a strong comeback, finishing fourth in the Group One Sumbe Prix Morny at Deauville. This season, he has been in top form, winning two odds-on races at Turfway Park and Churchill Downs. The team is confident that he can extend his winning streak in the Commonwealth Cup, a Group One race that Ward won in 2021 with Campenelle.
Outfielder's success is a testament to Ward's ability to train and prepare horses for top-level racing. His assistant trainer, Blake Heap, highlights the importance of teamwork and the careful selection of horses. "We have worked the younger ones together with pretty good horses so our horses have been battling at home," Heap says. "It is nice to see them win easily on the track and come back good."
The team's confidence in Outfielder is evident, and they are optimistic about his chances in the Commonwealth Cup. However, the meeting also features other talented horses, such as Bacio, a three-year-old with a strong record, and Ez Tina, a two-year-old who will take on the boys in the Group Two Norfolk Stakes. The Queen Mary Stakes, a race Ward has won multiple times, is expected to be a strong contest with horses like Shining Moment and Through The Years in the running.
The American team's success at Royal Ascot is a testament to their expertise and dedication. With a mix of experienced horses and promising newcomers, Ward's stable is poised to make a significant impact at the 2024 meeting. The team's confidence and preparation suggest that they are well-equipped to challenge for top honors, and their success could further enhance the reputation of American racing on the international stage.
