Controversy and Drama Mark Final Day at Ascot

Royal Ascot's final day featured a dramatic post-race incident when Lazzat, winner of the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, unseated jockey James Doyle and nearly kicked a groundsworker, though both escaped injury. Lazzat's win denied favourite Satono Reve a historic victory for Japan and marked trainer Jerome Reynier's first Royal Ascot triumph. Separately, Reynier publicly criticized US-based jockey Flavien Prat for what he described as the 'worst ride' of his career on Facteur Cheval in the Prince of Wales's Stakes, blaming tactical errors and expressing frustration at not learning about the horse's stamina. Trainer Eve Johnson Houghton provided reassurance that Betty Clover, who was pulled up mid-race, is expected to recover fully after veterinary care. The meeting also saw notable successes for French and Qatari ownerships. The event highlighted the intense scrutiny, high emotions, and occasional controversy that accompany top-level racing at Ascot.