A winner priced longer than Ten Bob Tony in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2026 has not been seen since 1950.

The 50-1 shot surprised the field in the opening race of the prestigious meeting, with the five-year-old gelding proving the extra ten days’ rest highly beneficial. His chestnut coat shone brilliantly under the clear British sky.

Opera Ballo, ridden by 2000 Guineas winning jockey Billy Loughnane, dictated the early pace at $4.40/16.5. Ten Bob Tony followed this up with his triumph in this Group 1 over 1609m, adding to his Group 3 Tattenham Corner Stakes (1408m) victory on June 6.

Trainer Ed Walker’s faith in his charge was justified, despite inquiries from peers regarding the decision to run the son of Group 1 Lockinge Stakes (1609m) winner Night Of Thunder at such substantial odds.

“Have a go,” Walker commented.

“He emerged from the Epsom run in excellent shape. It was as if he hadn’t competed, and I was confident that Ascot would provide pristine ground for the meeting’s opener, regardless of the weather conditions.

“The going is perfect, and we decided on a patient approach. We took our chance.”

This represented a sixth Royal Ascot triumph for Walker and a fourth for jockey Kieran Shoemark.

“He travelled exceptionally well, and our strategy was to ride him for the mile today,” Shoemark stated.

“He’s clearly in a fantastic run of form. While I’m somewhat taken aback, I’m certainly delighted.”

More Thunder ($3.50/7-2), conditioned by William Haggas, finished strongly for the runner-up position, with Opera Ballo – whose three-race winning streak was broken – claiming third.

The market leader, Notable Speech ($3.20/11-5), finished outside the top finishers in sixth place.

Walker and Shoemark are scheduled to team up with the recent Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup (2112m) victor, Almaqam, in the Group 1 Prince Of Wales’s Stakes (2004m) on the second day of Royal Ascot.

With such an unexpected outcome, consider checking the available racing betting markets for future events.