Joliestar denied in final stride
It was a case of so close yet so far for Joliestar (Zoustar) and her connections, with the Cambridge Stud owned sprint star denied a famous victory in Saturday’s Gr.1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (1200m) at Royal Ascot.
The five-time Group One heroine jumped well from stall nine and was prominent early, just in behind fellow Australian-based sprinter Overpass.
McDonald waited as long as possible before pressing the button, and when he asked her for the supreme effort, Joliestar responded and looked a likely winner. She was in front 100 metres from home before being collared late by the fast-finishing Almeraq and Satono Reve.
Joliestar finished a brave third, just a neck behind the William Haggas-trained winner, Almeraq.
"Honestly, it is a huge relief to come all this way and have her perform at her best.” Trainer Chris Waller said after the race.
"She fought out a great finish which was typical of the week. We have seen some great finishes and unfortunately that was one of them and we have just missed out.
"The cover that we expected during the race didn't quite eventuate and left us a little bit exposed.
"But James has done a fantastic job, he got her to bounce, got her to travel, got her to quicken.
"The winner has come off our backs but she was very brave. We did ourselves proud, we almost got it.''
McDonald, who has been lauded by the British media for his superb riding at Royal Ascot this week, and was offering no excuses in defeat.
"Joliestar ran superbly, I am so proud of her,'' McDonald said. "I do not really think anything could have gone better as it really unfolded well for us.''
Cambridge Stud's Sir Brendan and Lady Jo Lindsay who race Joliestar were coming to terms with their mare's narrow loss when they were also asked to meet the King and Queen.
"She has tried her best and just wasn't quite good enough on the day,'' Sir Brendan Lindsay said.
"I came here full of hope and we have left here pretty happy. James said she slipped going down the hill and that might have been the difference because on the line she was as strong as anything.
"We would have liked to have won but we can't be disappointed with her third.
"She tried her best and I know everyone in New Zealand and Australia are just as proud of her as we are.
"We just had a life's experience, Jo and I just met the King and Queen. That was a real treat, a real honour. Life is not too bad.''
Later, McDonald notched his third win of the week when partnering the David Menuisier-trained Lost Boys (2/1F) to victory in the Golden Gate Stakes (2000m).
