Bow Echo beats Gstaad to stay unbeaten in St James’s Palace

Bow Echo, the unbeaten three-year-old colt, narrowly defeated Gstaad in a thrilling finish to win the St James’s Palace Stakes on the opening day of Royal Ascot. The 5-6 favorite, ridden by 20-year-old jockey Billy Loughnane, held off a late charge from Aidan O’Brien’s Irish 2,000 Guineas winner to prevail by a short head in a photo finish.

The victory at Ascot on Tuesday, June 16, confirmed Bow Echo’s status as the leading miler of his generation, avenging his rival’s only previous defeat. The George Boughey-trained colt had previously routed the field, including Gstaad, in the English 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket last month. Trainer George Boughey acknowledged the tight margin, stating it was fine margins in the sport and crediting the gallant runner-up. Jockey Loughnane called the horse a superstar and a true warrior.

The highly anticipated rematch unfolded over Ascot’s round mile, a different test than the straight track at Newmarket. Boughey had expressed confidence beforehand, noting the colt’s ability to travel and handle the bend. For his part, O’Brien had reported that Gstaad had improved since his Curragh victory and that a round mile would suit him well. The race lived...