Royal effort from Joliestar

Joliestar did us proud on the international stage at Royal Ascot when she finished a close and brave third in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes over 1200 metres.

Our premier sprinting mare went oh so close to adding a top-flight Northern Hemisphere title to her imposing record for the champion trainer-jockey pairing of Chris Waller and James McDonald.

"We would have liked to have won but we can't be disappointed with her third,” Sir Brendan Lindsay told Racing and Sports.

"She tried her best and I know everyone in New Zealand and Australia are just as proud of her as we are.

"We just had a life experience, Jo and I just met the King and Queen. That was a real treat, a real honour. Life is not too bad.''

Joliestar has five Australian Group 1 victories to her credit with two on the bounce at Randwick in the Canterbury Stakes and TJ Smith Stakes before jetting to England.

“My only fear was to make sure she brought her Australian form to Royal Ascot and she really did, she stood up,'' Waller said.

"We didn't win but she ran very bravely. Huge accolades to the winner, it was a tough finish and she came off third best, but a top three finish is better than a pass mark, it is a fantastic result.''

Joliestar hit the front 400 metres from home and in a blanket finish was narrowly outgunned by Almeraq and Japanese hope Satono Reve.

“I think she has gained more admirers in defeat. Honestly, it is a huge relief to come all this way and have her perform at her best,” Waller said.

"She fought out a great finish which was typical of the week. We have seen some great finishes and unfortunately that was one of them and we have just missed out.”

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