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J-Mac Wins at Royal Ascot

Tara Madgwick - Wednesday Jun 17

The Group I MRC Caulfield Cup will have a big prizemoney increase to $6million in 2026 and the first overseas qualifying race was run at Royal Ascot last night with the James McDonald ridden stayer Map of Stars taking out the Listed Wolferton Stakes (1m2f).

Trained by Francis-Henri Graffard for Wathnan Racing, Map of Stars charged to the line out wide to win by half a length in the big field of 16 stayers.

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A Group II winner last year and Group I placed, Map of Stars was subsequently gelded and looked ready to find top form at his third start this year.

"He's an absolute beautiful horse and I'm very grateful for James (Doyle) to give me a run down on the horse and to Mr Graffard as well who is basically the Chris Waller of France," McDonald said.

"He gave me a fantastic feel, he's obviously a very good horse and James said that before the race."

A 5YO gelding by Sea the Stars, Map of Stars has six wins from 13 starts and is a half-brother to Group III winner Tajlina from Group I winning Dubawi mare Bateel.

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