Charles Darwin’s commanding victory in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot has sent shockwaves through the racing world, with many punters already beginning to bet on horse racing’s most prestigious Classic next spring on sites like LiveScore Bet Ireland. The imposing son of No Nay Never dominated from paddock to post under Ryan Moore, showcasing the kind of raw talent that suggests he could be a serious contender for the 2026 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.
A star is born at Royal Ascot
The Aidan O’Brien-trained colt enhanced his already lofty reputation with a performance that left connections and onlookers in no doubt about his exceptional ability. Sent off as the 8-13 favourite, Charles Darwin bowled along in front under the masterful Moore, finding plenty when challenged and powering away at the line to account for Wise Approach and Sandal’s Song with authority. “He’s lovely, Ryan always loved him and everyone always loved him at home,” O’Brien revealed after the race. “He’s a big, powerful, strong horse. He really looks like a four-year-old racing against two-year-olds.” The victory was all the more impressive given Charles Darwin’s breeding credentials. As a full-brother to Blackbeard, who captured the Middle Park Stakes and Prix Morny as a juvenile, he carries the genetic blueprint for top-level success.The road to Ascot glory
Charles Darwin’s journey to Norfolk Stakes success wasn’t without its learning curves. After finishing fourth on his Curragh debut, the colt showed marked improvement with victories at Navan and Naas that hinted at his true potential. The Naas performance was particularly eye-catching, where he made all to win by over three lengths in the style of a high-class performer. Moore’s decision to make the running at Ascot proved inspired, with the jockey allowing the colt to dictate terms throughout. “I didn’t know if Ryan was going to make the running or drop him in, but he decides that,” O’Brien explained. “He always thought he had loads left with the way he came on the bridle.”Classic credentials under scrutiny
The question of stamina will be crucial in assessing Charles Darwin’s 2000 Guineas prospects. O’Brien himself acknowledged this potential limitation, noting: “This horse is very fast – he’s a sprinter, I don’t know how far he’s going to get, because he’s very quick.” However, the trainer’s comparison with stablemate and Coventry winner Gstaad, who “looks like he’s going to get seven, which means he could get a mile,” suggests there may be scope for Charles Darwin to stretch his stamina. The Norfolk Stakes has produced several Classic winners over the years, though sprint-bred winners often struggle to make the step up to a mile. Although, Charles Darwin’s impressive physical development and how he settled and travelled at Ascot suggest he possesses more tactical speed than typical sprint-bred juveniles.Competition and challenges ahead
While Charles Darwin’s Norfolk Stakes victory marks him as a leading juvenile, the road to Newmarket next May will present significant challenges. The 2000 Guineas attracts the cream of the three-year-old miling division, and Charles Darwin will need to prove his stamina credentials over the winter months. O’Brien’s mention of Albert Einstein as “something like we’ve never seen before” suggests Charles Darwin may not even be the stable’s leading Classic hope, though this depth of quality often benefits all concerned through competitive homework. The stamina question remains the biggest obstacle to Classic success. While his pedigree suggests speed over stamina, the manner of his Ascot victory – particularly how he found extra when challenged – hints at the kind of resolution that could carry him over a mile.Market implications and future plans
The Norfolk Stakes victory has inevitably shortened Charles Darwin’s odds for next year’s Classics, with several bookmakers installing him among the early favourites for the 2000 Guineas. His immediate future is already mapped out, with entries in both the Group 2 Railway Stakes and Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh in July, both contested over six furlongs.
Either race will be crucial in determining his autumn campaign, with the Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket in October providing the perfect test of his Classic credentials over seven furlongs against the season’s best juveniles.
