Earth Shot secured a narrow victory in the Group 2 Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot, delivering an immediate return to her new owners, Wathnan Racing, the Emir of Qatar’s racing venture. The William Haggas-trained filly, ridden by Wathnan’s lead jockey James Doyle, edged out Johanna Walsh by a head in a photo finish on Wednesday.

Earth Shot was recently acquired by Wathnan Racing following her close second-place finish in the Listed Height Of Fashion Stakes at Goodwood last month. Her triumph at Ascot marks a significant step forward in her career, underlining hopes for further success in middle-distance races. Haggas, who won the Ribblesdale Stakes 20 years ago with Mont Etoile, described the victory as a notable achievement, stating it is second only to winning the Oaks for a middle-distance filly. Looking ahead, he suggested the filly might be aimed at the Irish Oaks at the Curragh on July 18, where she is currently priced at 6-1.

Doyle, celebrating his first winner of the Ascot meeting, praised Earth Shot’s performance, highlighting her strong finishing speed and potential despite still developing her racing skills. “She zoomed into the race,” Doyle commented, acknowledging that the filly is "still learning" but showing significant promise.

The favorite for the race, Legacy Link, who finished runner-up in the Epsom Oaks less than two weeks earlier, started at 13-8 but finished seventh out of 11 runners. The race was marked by an incident at the start when 50-1 outsider Lady Roisia unseated her jockey Hector Crouch after leaving the stalls, though she was still officially considered a runner by the stewards.

In other Ascot action, Doyle added to his success by winning the Group 3 Hampton Court Stakes aboard Generic. The six-year-old gelding, owned by Jeff Smith, took the race by a one-length margin over Ballydoyle’s 11-8 favorite Endorsement. Generic had recently returned to form, finishing second by seven lengths to Constitution River, the Prix du Jockey Club winner trained by Aidan O’Brien, in Chester’s Dee Stakes six weeks prior. Generic’s victory at 18-1 odds further highlighted Doyle’s strong day at the Royal meeting.