Irish Trainer Joseph Murphy Secures First Group One Win at Royal Ascot with 33-1 Outsider Cercene

Joseph Murphy and jockey Gary Carroll achieved their first Group One victory when Cercene, a 33-1 outsider, won the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot by half a length over the favourite Zarigana. This victory marked the culmination of Murphy's nearly 50 years as a trainer, transitioning from National Hunt to Flat racing and building a small but effective operation in County Tipperary. Carroll, who has been riding for Murphy since his early days as a 7lb claimer, praised the horse's heart and the opportunity to repay his trainer's long-term support. Cercene had previously finished third in the Irish 1,000 Guineas behind the favourite Lake Victoria and showed resilience at Royal Ascot by rallying strongly after being headed near the finish. The result was seen as a triumph for smaller family-run stables, contrasting with the more prominent racing powerhouses. The race also highlighted Falakeyah's fading challenge and Zarigana's strong but ultimately unsuccessful late effort.