Regal Vow wins a thrilling Lord Stakes at Caulfield Heath on Boxing Day

Jockey Craig Williams continued his sensational recent form with a perfect ride aboard Regal Vow in the Lord Stakes.

Regal Vow ridden by Craig Williams wins the Magic Millions Lord Stakes at Caulfield Heath on Boxing Day Picture: Reg Ryan

Pakenham trainer Charlotte Littlefield notched a career milestone on Boxing Day at Caulfield Heath with her first stakes’ success.

A brilliant ride from champion jockey Craig Williams sealed the result as Regal Vow got the better of favourite Marble Arch and Military Expert in the Listed Lord Stakes (1600m).

Littlefield, who toasted an important winner last Saturday on her home track when Modown claimed the Vobis Gold Bullion, bookended Christmas in style.

“I didn’t think she would come here and do that, especially how she was positioned in running (three back the rail), we came here hoping to snag some black type,” Littlefield said.

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“For her to do that just feels like things are actually starting to come together.

“We had a rough few years there and doubted whether I should even be training because it was going so poorly, I’m speechless, that’s ridiculous.”

Regal Vow returned $4.60 with Ladbrokes.

Littlefield praised Williams’ instinctive ride after being caught in a trick spot.

“I said to him she doesn’t like being hemmed in, she doesn’t like being inside horses and she ended up hemmed in on the inside of horses and he didn’t panic,” Littlefield said.

“That I think is what was so crucial about the run today, bided his time and said I’m not going to get her out where Charlotte wants me, I’m going to use my experience and I’m going to go up the rail and the opportunity presented.

“He’s (Williams) riding so well, he could ride a broomstick home at the moment.”

Williams finished with a double on Boxing Day after earlier success on Castellar.

Regal Vow finds the gap & finishes the strongest in the Magic Millions Lord Stakes 🙌

It's another win for the in-form @hayfieldsracing 💪@cwilliamsjockey has a riding double 🔥 pic.twitter.com/3eudzhCV1Y

— Racing.com (@Racing) December 26, 2024

The champion jockey relied on fellow rider Daniel Stackhouse, aboard favourite Marble Arch, to help Regal Vow get into a winning position in the Lord Stakes.

“I had a willing horse, she had the right run, no weight, she’s had a really good preparation,” Williams said.

“The pivotal point for me was to actually go back and follow Daniel Stackhouse, before I entered the straight the position was come out clear running, the feedback was she’s better with galloping room outside but it was too good an option to give up.

“It was an economical one and going back and trusting Daniel Stackhouse and my horse that felt like the decisive move, which gave us the nice result in the end.”

Williams won the Lord Stakes previously on Ulysses (2005) and Odeon (2019).

Originally published as Regal Vow wins a thrilling Lord Stakes at Caulfield Heath on Boxing Day