Login
WATCH FREE
Golden Gates joy for James McDonald and exciting Lost Boys
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Sat 20 Jun 2026
David Menuisier believes Lost Boys is destined for better things after overcoming trouble in running to shred a high quality field of handicappers in the Golden Gates Stakes.
The rapidly improving three-year-old justified strong support in the market as 2-1 favourite under super-deputy James McDonald, winning a third race of the week for Wathnan Racing on a James Doyle cast-off.
On the evidence of this impressive showing, handicaps could be off the agenda sooner rather than later with the colt pulling hard early and having to thread his way through traffic but winning by half a length.
And Menuisier, who saddled him to win the London Gold Cup off a mark of 89 and trained him to win off 96 here, insisted the colt will not be overawed when he steps up in grade.
“It’s time to celebrate now but we will make the plans down the line. Group races can’t be too far away,” said Menuisier. “The first couple of furlongs were stressful to say the least, he (McDonald) couldn’t get him to relax or to slot in.
“Then after the first bend I had a little bit of hope because he looked like he was switching off really nicely, basically he recharged his batteries at that point to finish off the race.
“But what a finish, he was unbelievable. He’s an exceptional horse because he shows us different traits every time.”
McDonald, who rides for Chris Waller in Australia and is indelibly linked with Hong Kong superstar Romantic Warrior, has proved a more than able deputy for the horses Doyle has discarded with wins on Map Of Stars, Opportunity and now Lost Boys.
And he had no doubts that of the three, Lost Boys was the one most likely to be headed for the stars.
He said: “For a young and immature horse, he’s got a bundle of talent and he’s a very good horse.
“I think that he’s a Group horse and he gave me a really nice feel, probably the feel of the week. I’ve ridden some really nice horses this week for Wathnan, but he might be the best of them.
“I’m sure he’ll go places and he’s lightly raced. He’s a gorgeous horse to look at and rides just as good.
“The future is very bright for that horse and I look forward to watching him from Australia and seeing where he progresses, but I think the guys will have a lot of fun with him.”
Reflecting on another great week at the Royal meeting, McDonald who matched his treble at the meeting in 2022, added: “I’ve had a tremendous week. Obviously Joliestar going down so narrowly was very deflating but she was so gallant, I was so proud of her.
“For Chris and the team who have prepared her for such long travels and a big journey, for the air to go out of the balloon was disappointing, but in saying that, we’re very proud.”
Related posts
100 Royal Ascot winners for Aidan O'Brien! Dettori and McManus join in the tributes
Five horses to follow on Racing TV on Saturday
Five horses to follow at Royal Ascot on Saturday
Seamie Heffernan suspended for 14 days and Tony Martin fined €3,000
Saturday tips: Dave Nevison "He looks something special"
Featured offers
Get a £50 free bet when you bet £50 with Coral
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Get up to a £25 Bonus + 50 free spins with Genting
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £30 in Free Bets with TalkSportBet
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 Get £40 in free bets + Money back 2nd to SP fav with BOYLE Sports
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Copyright 2026 Racing TV - All Rights Reserved.
Please bet responsibly
Copyright 2026. All rights reserved