Royal Ascot entries include Animal Kingdom

Kentucky Derby presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Animal Kingdom and Java’s War, who is being pointed to this year’s Louisville classic, are among the U.S.-trained horses being considered for Royal Ascot.

On Wednesday, April 24, Royal Ascot announced early entries for its seven group I races that will be contested from June 18-22.

Among the horses pointing for the Queen Anne Stakes is Kentucky Derby and Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) winner Animal Kingdom, who lists the one-mile Queen Anne on June 18 as his primary option. Arrowfield Stud and Team Valor’s Animal Kingdom also was entered early by trainer Graham Motion in the 1 1/4-mile Prince of Wales’s Stakes scheduled for June 19.

The 5-year-old Leroidesanimaux horse has arrived in Britain and is based at David Lanigan’s yard in Lambourn.

“We are delighted with the number of entries, the range of countries that they represent, and the overall quality,” said Nick Smith, head of communications and international racing at Ascot. “The interest from the USA is particularly strong this year, headlined by arguably the highest profile horse in the world in Animal Kingdom. If he were to add a Royal Ascot group I to victories in the Kentucky Derby and Dubai World Cup he would cement and enhance his position as an all-time great on the world stage.”

Further international representation is expected in Royal Ascot’s group II contests, the entries for which are revealed next week. American conditioner Wesley Ward is considering sending a team to contest the 2-year-old contests at the meeting.