23-06-2025
Huge Lazzat update after Royal Ascot hero almost KO'd helpless man – as trainer admits ‘freak' mistake caused meltdown
TRAINER Jerome Reynier has issued a big update on awesome Royal Ascot winner Lazzat - who almost kicked a man's head off after the race.
Lazzat had just beaten Japanese challenger Satono Reve to win the Group 1 Platinum Jubilee Stakes last Saturday when he lost control.
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First he dumped jockey James Doyle to the turf then galloped loose over the track.
Moments later, ITV footage showed one poor helpless soul who tried to get him to calm down coming just inches from being kicked in the head.
There were fears the worrying scenes could lead to Doyle being disqualified as he was unable to weigh in without his saddle - which was still strapped to Lazzat's back.
But fortunately there was a happy ending for the Wathnan-owned horse, who is now back home in Reynier's French yard and doing well.
Speaking to Sky Sports Racing, the trainer admitted Lazzat's meltdown was all his fault.
It was Reynier who stood in front of the sprinter with the winner's cloth - and it was like waving a red rag to a bull.
He said: "The horse is all good, nice and settled and he doesn't even seem tired. He's ready for more.
"Me and James were laughing about it. It's my fault with the winning sheet. I came too close. I should've gone round the side.
"But we were so happy and it was a freak (accident).
"If I could have jumped on the horse with James I would have done!
"But it was an amazing moment to share with all my friends on the day."
Lazzat was made 5-2 favourite for the July Cup on the back of his 6f win at Ascot.
But Reynier confirmed his next start will not be until August when he aims to defend his Maurice de Gheest crown in Deauville.
He said: "This race will suit him well once again and obviously he will be the favourite.
"On the European racing programme - he doesn'y mind the ground so the plan would be to stick with Group 1 sprinting races and Haydock and Ascot could be the next targets for him.
"But we are focused on August 10 for Deauville and the Maurice de Gheest.
"He is young and they often get better with age.
"Maybe the best is yet to come."
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