Britain’s Queen Elizabeth enjoyed a special reason to celebrate yesterday when her horse Estimate won the Royal Ascot Gold Cup. It was the first time a reigning monarch’s horse had claimed victory in the race’s 207-year history.
Estimate, a four-year-old filly trained by Michael Stoute, held off a challenge by Simenon in the final furlong to win by a neck. The 7-2 favourite also won at Royal Ascot last year when landing the Queen’s Vase.
“This is her passion and her life. She’s here every year and she strives to have winners—to win the big one at Royal Ascot means so much to her...”
The Queen’s grandson Peter Phillips told Channel 4: “It’s amazing! This is her passion and her life. She’s here every year and she strives to have winners—to win the big one at Royal Ascot means so much to her.”
Trainer Stoute added: “I really felt it was a tough task—I wasn’t confident at all with her taking on the boys. Estimate is a pain in the backside at times, but it’s a great honour and today is very special.”