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| Staff Writer |
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Royal Ascot 2024 witnessed a masterclass in training from the legendary Sir Mark Prescott, who orchestrated a stunning return to the winner's circle after a 28-year absence. His weapon of choice? The resolute stayer Pledgeofallegiance underlined his staying credentials with a gutsy victory in the Ascot Stakes (3200m). The race turned into a war of attrition over the extended two-and-a-half-mile trip with Luke Morris piloting the 4YO son of Sea of Stars.
Morris positioned the Sir Mark Prescott-trained colt prominently throughout, tracking the early leader Boher Road before taking decisive command and turning into the straight. Divine Comedy, ridden by apprentice Kaiya Fraser, emerged as the main challenger and threw down a determined fight, but Pledgeofallegiance refused to yield. In a thrilling tussle to the line, Prescott's stayer found another gear and prevailed by a half-length.
This runner-up finish was a commendable effort by Divine Comedy, especially considering it was another second-placed finish on the day for trainer Harry Eustace, whose Docklands filled the same position in the Queen Anne Stakes earlier on the card. Kyle Of Lochalsh stayed on for a respectable third, two and a half lengths adrift of the winner, while Get Shirty completed the placings in fourth.
The triumph marked a significant moment for both the horse and trainer. Prescott, ever the tactician, had meticulously planned for this day since the previous year. "I'd honestly forgotten it was so long ago," he admitted reflecting on his last Royal Ascot success with Pivotal in 1996. This victory, he acknowledged, was particularly sweet: "It's great. I think when those plans go right, you're churlish if you don't enjoy them."
Pledgeofallegiance's ascent to Royal Ascot glory wasn't solely a product of tactical prowess. Sir Mark Prescott, renowned for his ability to spot talent, recognised the potential in the young colt early on. "He is a very nice horse, very sensible," he said.
Prescott's assessment went beyond the colt's physical attributes. He saw a horse with a winning pedigree ingrained in his bloodlines. " William Haggis trained Wow very successfully. And I trained her mother. They are a very tough, winning family (on the dam side),” he explained.
Prescott further elaborated on the influence of the sire, “and See The Stars was very tough himself," he said. That toughness seems to have translated well to Pledgeofallegiance."
"The only thing he's ever done wrong in his life is cost all that money [450,000gns] as a yearling. Then the expectation is so high on him. If he couldn't win the Derby, the next best thing was to win at Royal Ascot for them [owners], so I'm very grateful he has,” said Prescott.
Prescott also revealed that although he has not attended the recently concluded breeze-up sales he will, as usual, be present at the European yearling sales in the autumn.
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The Ascot Stakes itself unfolded like a well-rehearsed script. Pledgeofallegiance, expertly guided by jockey Luke Morris, settled comfortably behind the early leader, Boher Road. "The Irish horse [Boher Road] – he's such a quick starter - looked certain to carry you into the straight," Prescott recalled. "It was one of those races. I can't remember one going so well since Alborada got the pacemaker [in the Champion Stakes] and High-Rise didn't! Everything went just to plan."
Morris, who last tasted Royal Ascot success eight years ago, echoed Prescott's sentiment. "Pledgeofallegiance is incredibly brave and incredibly tough," he enthused. "He's been a real work in progress, but he's gradually got a bit better each run and it's thanks to the faith of connections that he's eventually come good because he started off life at a pretty lowly level." The victory, he acknowledged, held immense personal significance: "To ride a winner here for Sir Mark means a huge amount. We've only got a few bullets to fire during the week, so to get one of them to land is fabulous."
Prescott's elation extended beyond the immediate glory. This win served as a powerful reminder of his enduring legacy and his unwavering passion for the sport. When asked about his early influences, he spoke fondly of trainers Sid Kernick, Frank Cundell, and Jack Waugh. "Even after 57 years training, I still think they were very, very good. And I was very lucky. So, I think they inspired me really."
The future looks bright for Pledgeofallegiance. While the immediate focus is on the Redbutter later in the season, with a potential appearance at Goodwood's staying handicap earlier in the summer also a possibility, long-term aspirations are loftier. "He would be developed into a (Gold) Cup horse," Prescott revealed, hinting at a potential tilt at the prestigious long-distance showpiece. "He could win long-distance races in Britain. Or even something like the last race of Royal Ascot, the wonderful Queen Alexandra Stakes [4200m]."
His other runners at the Royal meet weren't as fortunate. Sea King, ridden by Luke Morris again, finished a disappointing 14th behind Crystal Black in the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes (Handicap). Miss El Fundi fared slightly better, finishing 5th in the Chesham Stakes (Listed Race) behind Aidan O'Brien's Bedtime Story.
Looking ahead, Prescott has modest plans for his non-winning runners. "We'll aim to win a maiden race with Miss El Fundi," he revealed. Sea King, known for occasional bursts of brilliance, will target "a less competitive but valuable race" in the next fortnight.
Sir Mark Prescott's return to Royal Ascot glory is a captivating tale of meticulous planning, unwavering dedication, and the sheer joy of witnessing a well-crafted strategy come to life in spectacular fashion. "This had been in the pipeline since last year and it was the obvious race for him," Prescott concluded. "The owners were very good to go along with it and I was very lucky." The racing world now eagerly awaits the next chapter in this remarkable partnership.