Wesley Ward Targets Royal Ascot Meet

It would be an understatement to say that trainer Wesly Ward is the king of two-year-old racing. When the babies hit the track in April, bettors flock to windows to bet on anything that is running under the Ward name. It's no small thing that he has become legendary, consistently winning baby races at Keenland and Churchill each spring.

Ward has also pioneered the way for U.S. two-year-old fillies, colts, and geldings to make the annual trek to England's Royal Ascot meet, where the best horses in the world come together to determine whose best heading into the important summer months.

In total, Ward has won 12 two-year-old Group 1 or Group 2 races at the grand old course. Unfortunately, his last winner at Royal Ascot came five years ago when Campanelle won the Group 2 Queen Mary Stakes at five furlongs on the straight course.

What Ward Has Lined Up in 2026

It's no secret that America-based Ward sends his babies to the track ready to win. The story has been no different in 2026. With some big winners already breaking their maidens, it looks like he could be sending as many as seven youngsters to compete at Royal Ascot in June, including as many as five to compete in the aforementioned Queen Mary Stakes.

Leading the way could be Ruiva, a stylish filly and sharp debut winner over a sloppy Churchill Downs race track. When meeting with the press, Ward said the Group 1 Norfolk against the Colts to be run the day before was his preferred target. If the course should be listed as soft to heavy, the Queen Mary would be a suitable target.

Fanshell Beach won an easy debut race on April 28 at Churchill and could run either in the Queen Mary Stakes or the Norfolk Stakes. Additionally, Ez Tina, Through the Years, and Shining Moment all appear to be headed for a date in the Queen Mary.

Ward's most interesting charge could well be Outfielder. The three-year-old colt is expected to compete in the Group 1 Commonwealth, which will be run over a straight six furlongs on June 19. With a record of 4 wins from six starts, he has the credentials to run anywhere. He already displayed his class when he ran extremely well in last year's Group 1 Prix Morny. Three-year-old Bacio recently returned from a winter break and easily won a second-level allowance race. Ward mentioned a list race as a likely summer target.

About Ward

Born on March 3, 1968, Ward started his horse racing career as a jockey, including winning an Eclipse Award as outstanding apprentice in 1984. He was called to train horses and took out his license in 1991.

As a trainer, he has won with 135 starters from 11,371 for total purses of $107,522,036. With the horses he has headed to Royal Ascot this year, racing fans and betters can expect his career numbers to keep on growinh through the summer.