“Proud”: Chris Waller opens up on Joliestar’s Royal Ascot loss

By Connor Scanlon

Star mare Joliestar flew the flag for Australia at Royal Ascot in the high-stakes edition of the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, doing us all proud, according to trainer Chris Waller.

While her bid for Ascot glory was spoiled by a late surge from Almeraq in a three-horse photo finish, the daughter of Zoustar finished inside the placings for third place.

Reflecting on the pre-race favourite’s run, Waller was full of praise for the five-year-old who was ridden by champion jockey James McDonald.

“She was (incredibly brave),” Waller told 7 Horse Racing.

“We’ve come all the way around the world and gone that close. We were proud to be here at centre stage on the world stage.

“We had to be at our very best. I was proud the way she paraded; James rode her beautifully – got her to jump well, travel well, and fight out an amazing finish.

“We’ve come so close, so close. She’s gained admirers, she hasn’t lost any. It’s a privilege to be here.

“It’s been a great journey… We’re very proud to be here. Gee, she’s run a terrific race, and as I said, she’s done us proud.”

The trainer also confirmed that Joliestar will race again in England next week and potentially may stay in the UK for the July Cup next month but will likely return to Australia to prepare for the $20 million Everest and $3 million Champions Sprint in the spring.

“If we thought about (how the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee could have panned out differently), we wouldn’t be back, ready to go next week,” Waller told Racenet.

“So, we’ll bat her up next weekend and will be charging.

“It’s sweet to think that you could win in three weeks’ time in the July Cup, but it’s also good to get back home.

“There are some big races coming back up in Australia. We’ve got to focus on what we know best which is an Everest and Darley (Champions) Sprint.”

If Joliestar is to race in the Group 1 July Cup on July 12 at 2:34am AEST, she is currently at $6.50 with Sportsbet.