Venetian Sun, the heavily backed favourite, secured her second Royal Ascot triumph in a thrilling Commonwealth Cup, fending off a spirited late challenge from 50-1 outsider Spicy Marg.
The victory marked a poignant return to the winner’s enclosure for jockey Clifford Lee, who has overcome a career-threatening injury.
The Karl Burke-trained three-year-old filly, an 11-8 market leader, took command a furlong from the finish, holding off Michael Bell’s long-shot Spicy Marg by a mere head. Division finished third in the Group One contest, which saw Venetian Sun add to her Albany Stakes success from twelve months prior.
For jockey Clifford Lee, the win was deeply emotional, completing a remarkable comeback after a severe motorbike accident last year that could have ended his career.
Lee, who broke his C1 vertebra and spent five and a half months recovering, expressed his gratitude: “It’s fantastic. I had five and a half months off as I broke my C1, but I felt I’ve come back stronger and better.”
“It’s great to be back, on big days like this I’m glad for the team back at home that do all the hard work.”
Lee also noted the filly’s true calling: “We obviously tried to stretch her to the mile, but dropped back to six she’s unbeaten now. She’s definitely a sprinter. A Group One at Ascot is great – everyone wants that Group One.”
Trainer Karl Burke praised his charge, highlighting her calm demeanour.
“She is what she is, she’s such a laid-back filly,” Burke stated. He also shed light on her performance, suggesting soft ground at Haydock previously contributed to a visually impressive win.
“I’ve said it before a few times; Clifford Lee, even when he was winning Group races on her, said she was feeling the ground. Haydock was probably the first time she’s raced on soft ground,” he explained, adding, “I think that’s the reason she’s not been as visually impressive, but she’s still a Group One winner.”
The victory brought significant relief to the stable: “It’s tough coming here… to get the banker in today is a great relief.”
Meanwhile, Michael Bell, trainer of the valiant runner-up Spicy Marg, admitted to a fleeting moment of hope. “For 15 seconds I thought we had it, but we just got outbattled by a very good filly,” he remarked.
Bell is now considering a potential entry into the prestigious July Cup for his 50-1 shot, though it would require supplementing.
“Realistically we thought we might finish fourth or fifth today at best and then go to York for the Summer Stakes. But on the back of that do we go to York? I think we need a conversation with Emma (Banks, owner),” he concluded, hinting at a change of plans.
Venetian Sun’s triumph not only cemented her status as a top-tier sprinter but also provided a heartwarming narrative of resilience and redemption at one of racing’s most prestigious meetings.
