King George V Stakes: Desert Hero gives The King and The Queen a first Royal Ascot victory
King Charles III and Queen Camilla were present at Royal Ascot for Desert Hero's victory in the King George V Stakes; Tom Marquand took the ride, with William Haggas training the winner for The King
Thursday 22 June 2023 16:03, UK
Desert Hero provided the King and Queen with a first Royal Ascot winner when prevailing in a thrilling finish to the King George V Stakes.
The late Queen visited the Royal Ascot winner's enclosure multiple times during her reign, but it is the first time the royal silks have been carried to success at the summer showpiece since the King was crowned.
Trained by William Haggas, the son of Sea The Stars was sent off at 18-1 in the hands of Tom Marquand and although catching the eye as he made stealthy progress turning for home, there was still plenty of work to do.
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Desperate for the gaps to appear, Marquand manoeuvred his mount to perfection as he sought the perfect passage to the front, and when joining the leaders inside the final furlong Desert Hero stuck his head out with real bravery to hold off the spirited challenge of Valiant King in second.
Winning jockey Tom Marquand said: "We all grew up watching Ryan [Moore] on Estimate, Royal winners at the Royal meeting are so special and this is a poignant one.
"It's an insanely special day and one that will live high in the top of my career for the rest of my days in the saddle.
Coming into the paddock wearing Royal colours is special in itself. Even explaining the tactics holds a bit more pressure because you're expected to stick to them.
"There's no blagging your way out of it when his majesty and her majesty are here."
Trainer Haggas added: "You hope that things like this can happen, but I'm delighted it has.
"The King and Queen are absolutely thrilled. They have been looking forward to Ascot for a long time and wanting to have as many runners as possible, and I think they are absolutely delighted.
"It is obviously very important for racing, but it is important that the King and Queen enjoy it, which they clearly appear to do, and long may that continue."
The late Queen's granddaughter, Zara Tindall, said: "I just think how excited my grandmother would have been. To have a winner for Charles and Camilla and to keep that dream alive was incredible, and what a race - asides all of that, what a race.
"I was stood with Sheikh Fahad (owner of the runner-up) and the horses were either side, pulling their way up to the line, and it was incredible.
"I think it is a new excitement (for the King), like all those owners here who come here with horses, they have dreams and hope, and to follow it is incredible. Horses are the main game here - that's why we get involved, we love them, the competition, the feelings are indescribable."
