King’s Lynn set sights on Royal Ascot after storming to victory in Temple Stakes
King's Lynn ridden by David Probert
King’s Lynn not only provided jockey David Probert with a Haydock hat-trick, but also booked his Royal Ascot ticket after winning the Group Two Temple Stakes.
The gelding, trained by Andrew Balding, struck from the outer of the track to power in-front with just a furlong remaining.
From that point on, King's Lynn began to pull away from the rest of the field and held off a strong finish from Twilight Calls by a head.
The Queen-owned horse has been shortened in price for the King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot, and the odds are likely to head further in that direction before June's meeting.
"A really great result. Thrilled for the horse - he is a star!" said Balding, speaking from Goodwood.
"It is all eyes on Royal Ascot, hopefully. Most likely the King's Stand, but it is a conversation we will have nearer the time.
"He obviously is in the Platinum Jubilee and we put him in the Wokingham, just in case things didn't work out today and we needed another avenue, but obviously that won't be the case.
??ROYAL WINNER??
— Royal Central (@RoyalCentral) May 21, 2022
A big win for The Queen as her horse, King’s Lynn, wins the Temple Stakes at Haydock Park.pic.twitter.com/L35ZOwTrVu
"He (Probert) gave him a great ride. It was excellent."
Jake Warren, representing the Queen, added: "He's run a blinder and he's been a really consistent horse through two, three, four and now five.
"He's in great shape and condition and handled it really well, so it's an amazing result for Her Majesty.
"It's wonderful to have a result like this for her and it's the beginning of an exciting year."
