In a stunning display of speed and precision, Khaadem secured his second consecutive victory in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot. Trained by Charlie Hills and expertly ridden by Oisin Murphy, the eight-year-old sprinter overcame a field of 13 to defend his crown, proving once again his affinity for fast ground and high-stakes competition.

The race, held over six furlongs on the fast ground, saw a relatively small but competitive field. Karl Burke’s Swingalong set a bold pace early on, leading the pack for much of the contest. Despite Khaadem’s 14/1 odds, Murphy’s confident and patient approach paid off handsomely.

Murphy’s ride was a masterclass in racecraft. Positioned strategically behind the leaders, Khaadem traveled strongly throughout the race. As the pace set by Swingalong began to wane in the final furlongs, Murphy let Khaadem loose. The response was immediate and decisive, with Khaadem surging forward to win by half a length. Swingalong held on for second, while Mill Stream finished third. The 3/1 favorite, Believing, who had finished fourth in the King Charles III Stakes earlier in the week, occupied the same position once again.

“What an amazing horse,” exclaimed Oisin Murphy post-race. “I think he's eight years of age, back-to-back wins in the race, incredible training performance from Charlie Hills and his team. Wonderful.”

Murphy detailed his confidence during the race, noting, “For the majority of the last two furlongs, I thought he would win and I was able to enjoy it a little bit. There was a lot of speed on, particularly after a furlong. When it began to slow down late on, he came alive. I just wanted to copy Jamie Spencer from last year!”

Charlie Hills’ achievement in guiding Khaadem to consecutive wins in this prestigious Group One contest cannot be understated. Known for his meticulous preparation and understanding of his horses, Hills demonstrated once again why he is considered one of the top trainers in the sport. His ability to bring Khaadem back to peak form, especially after the horse had not troubled the judge in his four starts since last year’s victory, underscores his exceptional training prowess.

Khaadem’s back-to-back victories in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes highlight his exceptional talent and Hills’ masterful training skills. The win also adds another feather to Oisin Murphy’s cap, further establishing him as one of the top jockeys in the world.