Jockey Hector Crouch went close with Blue RC in Wednesday’s Royal Hunt Cup and is back with more chances on Days 3 and 4 of Royal Ascot 2026. Read his daily previews exclusively for kwiff each day of the Royal Meeting.
Royal Ascot 2026: Hector Crouch’s Exclusive Preview
Hector Crouch at Royal Ascot: Thursday
Joulany (3.05) arrives at Royal Ascot in high-class form and despite still a maiden, remains a horse with plenty more potential. He’s been gelded since his last run when second last time out at Chester’s May Meeting, and they clearly thought plenty of the winner for him to be sent off favourite for yesterday’s Queen’s Vase. He’s been working well in a tongue tie at home and wears it for the first time on a racecourse on Thursday. Fingers crossed he has saved shedding the maiden tag for a big day.
The Ribblesdale looks a strong renewal with Oaks runner-up Legacy Link very difficult to beat if backing-up that Epsom form. Ralph’s got two in the race with Venetia – who I rode to listed race success last time out at Goodwood and Lady Roisia (3.40) who ran well at Newbury when third on her first attempt at a mile and a quarter.
You could argue, aside from the two Juddmonte runners at the head of the market it’s wide open for the minors and I think she has a good chance of hitting the frame, or even better. She’s got a bit of an awkward draw in stall 12 and was a bit fresh at Newbury, so fingers crossed she relaxes a bit better today.
There’s a field of 30 for The Britannia Stakes where Richies Rocket (4.50) bids to put a couple of below-par effort behind him over the straight mile. He ran OK last time out at Goodwood from a poor position, when given a poor draw. He’s drawn high and seemed to like passing horses last time out, so hopefully we get a nice position and make a late challenge.
Hector Crouch at Royal Ascot 2026: Thursday
Clive Cox’s Song of the Clyde (3.05) is drawn 2 of 22 for The Commonwealth Cup, bidding to follow-up his excellent win last time out at Newbury. I was very pleased with him last time out, he’s tough and hopefully gets into another good rhythm out in front. He’s uncomplicated and will love conditions. I think he’s got a very,good chance.
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