18th June 2026
This result is a fine illustration of racing’s global reach – a Sydney-based agent sourcing a mare in America for a Japanese owner, exporting her to Ireland to breed, and winning at Royal Ascot.
Joseph O’Brien’s decision to drop KING OF CLOUGHAN (St Mark’s Basilica) back from 7f to 6f paid dividends as the colt drove to the front in the closing stages to win the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Fancied at both previous starts without delivering, it was third time lucky for the son of MYSTIC EYES (Maclean’s Music), a dual winner at two in the United States, including at Listed level at Belmont Park.
The mare was privately purchased by WJB with Jes Sikura on behalf of Mr Hiroyuki Nagata following her racing career in the U.S. Now based at Norelands Stud in Ireland, she has a yearling colt on the ground and is in foal to SIOUX NATION (Scat Daddy).
KING OF CLOUGHAN was bought by Carrignog Racing for €110,000 at last year’s Goffs Orby Sale.
Congratulations to breeder Mr Nagata and all winning connections, and thanks to the McCalmont family and Matt Gielson at Norelands Stud for producing yet another stakes winner.
