Jockey William Buick has been secured to ride reigning Horse of the Year California
Chrome (Lucky Pulpit) in the Prince of Wales’s S. (Eng-G1) at Royal Ascot on June 17.
Connections
were initially hoping to book Frankie Dettori, who partnered the 2014 Kentucky
Derby (G1) and Preakness S. (G1) winner in a gallop at Royal Ascot last week, but the Italian will instead
be aboard the John Gosden-trained Western Hymn (High Chaparral).
“William Buick’s going to ride him,” confirmed Newmarket trainer Rae Guest,
who is housing California Chrome during his stay in Britain. “Connections of the
horse wanted him to ride. They wanted one of the good English or European
jockeys and William beat them in Dubai, so they know him and he’s available.”
Buick rode Prince Bishop (Dubawi) to win the March 28 Dubai World Cup
(UAE-G1), with California Chrome finishing second under Victor Espinoza. That
jockey just piloted the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years on Saturday when
American Pharoah (Pioneerof the Nile) captured the Belmont S. (G1).
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