Royal Ascot

Hi Everyone,
This week is Royal Ascot week! As students we are expected to memorize all the major races during the carnival, today there were 3 group 1's! The Queen Anne Stakes, the King's Stand Stakes and the St James' Palace Stakes, as well as the Group 2 for 2yo's the Coventry Stakes. Let's see how much I can remember!
This year the 1 mile Queen Anne was won by the only mare in the field, Goldikova who is by Anabaa. Showed the boys how its done with ease!
The 5 furlong (1000m) King's Stand (which has been won by 4 Aussie horses in the last 7 years; Choisir, Takeover Target, Miss Andretti and Scenic Blast) was won this year by Equiano who is by Acclamation. Equiano also won the race in 2008. We had two Aussie horses run this year, the Bianconi entire Nicconi (en route to stand at Widden this year) and Gold Trail who is by Arrowfield sire Hussonet. Nicconi placed a gallant 4th after making a huge run from the back of the field.
The St James' Palace Stakes is renowned for producing stallions. Open to 3yo colts only, previous winners include Marju, Brief Truce, Kingmambo, Giant's Causeway, Black Minnaloushe, Rock of Gibraltar, Shamardal, Excellent Art, Henrythenavigator and Mastercraftsman, so you can see the influence the race has made. Todays winner was Canford Cliff's who won the Irish 2,000 Guineas at his previous start, came 3rd in the English Guineas and won the Coventry Stakes (Group 2 for 2yo's). From what I can gather he is not very well bred, out of a Marju mare Mrs Marsh by Tugula, but has been a brilliant racehorse.
The Coventry this year was won by Strong Suit, by Rahy from Silver Hawk mare Helwa.
It looked like the whole atmosphere at Royal Ascot could be likened to that of the Spring Carnival at Flemington, except the Queen attends Royal Ascot, her greatest passion being racing. The Royal Parade was a sight to see, even though it was only on TV, at least it was live. I have decided one day I will go to Royal Ascot!!
The countdown is on, the big exam the Friday after next!!!
Hope all is well!
Courtney