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Mark Todd Racing were very excited to have their first runner at Royal Ascot this year when Tasman Bay ran a brilliant race to finish second behind Alenquer in the Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes. 

The morning on the race there were doubts as to whether racing would go ahead due to the heavy rainfall falling through the night and into the morning creating heavy conditions on the racetrack. Owner, Sir Peter Vela arrived from New Zealand the day before the race and fortunately at 12.45pm the stewards declared it safe to continue and racing started on time. Royal Ascot was a Covid test event which meant that a crowd of 12,000 spectators were able to come and watch the racing live. Spirits were not dampened by the terrible weather. 

Alenquer defeated Derby winner Adayar when they met in the Classic Trial (Group 3) at Sandown. For Tasman Bay to run a very brave second in unsuitable conditions to one of the leading 3yo this year, bodes well for his future especially as he is still maturing. 

Bred in France, Tasman Bay may well be looking to race there in the near future. 

*Image* Jockey, David Probert, riding Tasman Bay at Lambourn Gallops a week before Royal Ascot. Photo by Libby Law Photography.