The King's Horse Just Got the Jockey Everyone Wants

By Lewis Barnett 12 June, 2025 5 mins read 45 Views

So here's what happened yesterday that made my phone blow up with texts from every racing mate I know.

King Charles' horse Reaching High - you know, the one making all that history as the first royal runner trained in Ireland - just got Ryan Moore booked for Royal Ascot. And the betting markets? They went absolutely mental.

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When the Odds Collapsed in Real Time

I was literally watching Ladbrokes' prices when the news broke. Reaching High went from 10-1 to 6-1 in what felt like minutes. My mate Dave (who works for a bookmaker, won't say which one) texted me: "Just watched £50k get lumped on in 20 minutes. Mental."

The Ascot Stakes on Tuesday is worth £57,000 to the winner. Not massive money by today's standards, but for King Charles? This isn't about the prize money.

Why Ryan Moore Changes Everything

Look, I've been following racing for fifteen years now, and Moore is just... different. Four-time world champion jockey. The guy who won the Oaks and Coronation Cup at Epsom last weekend like it was a Sunday morning hack.

Remember when he rode Estimate to Gold Cup glory for Queen Elizabeth back in 2013? That was proper spine-tingling stuff. Now he's doing it for her son.

Willie Mullins pulling strings to get Moore on board tells you everything about how seriously they're taking this. You don't call in favours for a training gallop.

The Distance Question That's Bugging Me

Here's the thing that's been keeping me up at night (sad, I know). Reaching High got beaten a short-head at Leopardstown in May over 1m4f. The Ascot Stakes? That's 2m5f.

That's a MILE further. In racing terms, that's like asking someone who runs a decent 1500m to suddenly tackle a marathon.

But Mullins isn't stupid. He mentioned the pedigree being "all stamina" - and honestly, when Willie Mullins talks about stamina, you listen. The man's trained more staying chasers than I've had hot dinners.

What the Smart Money's Saying

Cal Gildart from Ladbrokes put it perfectly: "Punters are clearly high on the King and Queen's horse, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him go off as favourite."

That's bookmaker speak for "we're genuinely worried about this horse."

My betting bank account is looking at me accusingly right now. I promised myself I'd be sensible this Royal Ascot. But Moore on a Mullins-trained royal runner with stamina breeding?

The History Bit That Actually Matters

This whole situation is unprecedented. First reigning monarch's horse trained in Ireland. Ever. That's not just a fun fact - it shows how much trust Charles has placed in Mullins.

And Mullins? The guy's been refreshingly honest about it: "It's an honour and a big surprise to be asked." No false modesty, just genuine appreciation for what this means.

The race goes off at 5pm Tuesday. I'll be watching with my dad, who's been following royal runners since the 1970s. He reckons this could be special.

Might even have a small flutter. For history's sake, obviously.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the term "stayer", used in racing, mean?

In racing terminology, a ‘stayer’ is a type of horse that excels on long distances. Usually, these distances go beyond one mile. Stayers need to be fast and have endurance in order to keep up a good pace for long races. Renowned Stayers compete often in long-distance racing such as Ascot Gold Cup.

How does the handicapping system work in UK Horse Racing?

In UK racing, the handicapping system was designed to give each horse an equal shot at winning. Essentially, horses are assigned different weights to carry during the race based on their past performances. Better horses carry heavier weights to level the playing field against horses with lesser past performances. In the UK, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) is responsible for handicapping. Their team of handicappers updates ratings regularly after races.

What does it mean to have a 'photofinish finish'?

A 'photo finish' occurs when two or more horses cross the finish line so closely together that it is impossible to determine the winner with the naked eye. In these cases, race officials use finish-line cameras that take images at high speed to determine the exact moment each horse’s nose crosses the line. The photo-finish image allows officials to accurately determine the official order.

How do racehorses get bred for racing and how are they selected?

Racehorses tend to be bred for the purpose of winning races. Breeders carefully select sires from proven racing lines to ensure that their offspring have the best characteristics in terms of speed, endurance, temperament, and so on. Thoroughbreds tend to be associated with UK racing, and their lines are carefully tracked. Potential racehorses go through a process of selection that includes a pedigree assessment, physical conformation assessments and their performance in training.

Can you explain what the 'Going' is in horse racing?

'Going" refers to the surface condition of the track on the day a race takes place. It can have a significant impact on the performance of horses and the outcome. The Going' can range between heavy, which means a very wet and slick track, and firm, meaning a hard and arid surface. Between these are several different grades, including good to soft (soft), good to firm (firm), and hard. Trainers and jockeys must consider the 'Going' when deciding on racing strategy and equipment, such as the choice of horseshoes for better grip.

What are the UK's most prestigious horse races?

The United Kingdom has several horse racing events which are acclaimed worldwide. The Epsom Derby and Royal Ascot are the most prestigious. These events are not only a showcase of the best equine talent, but they also have a rich history and tradition. They've become social occasions that include distinctive dress codes.

Statistics

British racing oversees around 1,500 fixtures annually across its 59 racecourses.
Horse racing contributes an estimated £3.7 billion to the UK economy directly and indirectly each year.
The Grand National at Aintree boasts a prize fund of around £1 million, making it the most valuable jump race in Europe.
British horse racing generates over £350 million in annual tax revenues for the UK government.
The Royal Ascot, held annually in June, draws crowds of 300,000 over its five-day meeting.
The prize money for the Epsom Derby stands at approximately £1.5 million, with the winner taking home a substantial portion of this sum.

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How To

How to Attend Royal Ascot

It is important to plan ahead if you want to attend Royal Ascot. You can choose an enclosure according to your budget or desired experience. From the luxury Royal Enclosure, you can also select the Windsor Enclosure, which is more relaxed. The event is very popular, so buy tickets in advance. Ascot is known for its strict dress code. This is especially true in the premium enclosures. Consider the transportation options as Ascot is well-served by public transport, and parking can be scarce. To maximize your race-day enjoyment, be sure to explore all the betting, food and drink options.