Tom Marquand Finishes Second on Ten Bob Tony at Royal Ascot on June 16

Tom Marquand finished second aboard More Thunder in the opening race of Royal Ascot on June 16, narrowly losing to 50-1 outsider Ten Bob Tony in a stunning upset at the Queen Anne Stakes. The result stunned punters and highlighted Marquand’s resilience on a day when favorites faltered.

What happened at Royal Ascot?

Ten Bob Tony, trained by Ed Walker and ridden by Kieran Shoemark, surged from last to first in the final strides of the Queen Anne Stakes, winning at 50-1 odds. More Thunder, guided by Tom Marquand, chased hard but couldn’t close the gap, finishing just behind in second. The win was the longest-priced since Garrick in 1950 and came on good to firm ground — conditions many thought would favor other runners.

Why it matters for Tom Marquand?

Marquand, one of Britain’s top jockeys, has consistently delivered in Group 1 races, but this result underscored how even elite riders face unpredictable outcomes at Royal Ascot. His ride on More Thunder was precise and aggressive, yet the horse couldn’t match the late surge of Ten Bob Tony. It was a rare second-place finish for Marquand at this level this season, and his performance kept him in contention for top jockey honors.

What comes next for Tom Marquand?

Marquand now shifts focus to the remaining days of Royal Ascot, where he’s scheduled to ride in multiple high-profile races. With the festival’s prestige and prize money at stake, his next mounts will be closely watched. He remains among the leading jockeys by wins this year, and a strong finish here could solidify his position ahead of the summer’s major events.

Ten Bob Tony’s owner, Simon Sadler, also runs Blackpool Football Club — a curious crossover that drew extra attention. Shoemark, who claimed his fourth win at the festival, praised the horse’s form after Epsom. Meanwhile, Marquand’s ride on More Thunder was widely noted for its timing and positioning, even in defeat. The race confirmed that Royal Ascot remains a stage where any horse, at any price, can rise — and where top jockeys like Marquand are always in the thick of it.