It’s a nailbiting moment for Queen Camilla at the derby… but the Royals’ horse Treasure fails to romp home the winner as King Charles eases back into the limelight with a day at the races
Pursing lips, bitten gloves and a very nervous shiver… it was clear that the King and Queen were struggling to keep their feelings in check during a day at the races.
The couple were on the edge of their seats yesterday as they watched their horse Treasure race in the Oaks on Epsom’s Ladies Day.
With tempting odds of 18/1, there were hopes that Treasure would mirror the success of other horses bred by the late Queen Elizabeth II. Two of her horses were ridden to victory in the prestigious Oaks – Carrozza in 1957 and Dunfermline in 1977.
Treasure is a daughter of the stallion Masterscraftsman and Shimmering Light, who was placed in two races for the late monarch in 2017.
There would be no royal victory this year, however, with Treasure finishing 11th out of 12 runners.
The couple were on the edge of their seats yesterday as they watched their horse Treasure race in the Oaks on Epsom’s Ladies Day.
Queen Camilla looked tense as she watched the Treasure Race today
Camilla watched as the race unfolded, with Treasure initially starting strong
Prize money for the race totaled £541,035 for the top six positions of the twelve runners, with £311,905 going to the winner.
Trainer Ralph Beckett, who met the King and Queen before the race, said: “I think they had a good time and hopefully there will be other days to come [Treasure].’
He added that they had ‘decided to try the Oaks as the ground should be in her favour’, adding that he was ‘very pleased with her progress’.
The handler also described the King and Queen as ‘such enthusiastic owners and it is great to train such a nice filly for them who runs in a Classic’.
Before the race started, a rendition of the national anthem was sung – as Charles and Camilla looked on.
The king’s horse Treasure started solidly, settled in third position and stood out among the all-brown pack in gray.
However, the peloton was strong and after struggling to keep up, Treasure finished eleventh.
However, the peloton was strong and after struggling to keep up, Treasure finished eleventh
Trainer Ralph Beckett described the King and Queen as ‘such enthusiastic owners and it is great to be able to train such a nice filly for them who is running in a Classic’
Charles and Camilla enjoyed a memorable first Flat season last year, with Desert Hero winning at Royal Ascot before finishing third in the St Leger.
Treasure won on her track debut at Nottingham last October, before finishing fourth behind stablemate You Got To Me in the Lingfield Oaks Trial on her return three weeks ago.
Earlier in the day, the King and Queen presented the trophy to Luxembourg under the saddle of Holland Cooper Coronation Cup winner Ryan Moore, after he watched the race from the stands.
They then headed to the Royal Box, where Camilla wrapped up against the cold in a £630 coat from Camilla And Marc and a ribbon hat designed by Philip Treacy.
The king, who is also expected to attend Trooping the Color this month, returned to public duties in April after being diagnosed with cancer in February.