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Some of the money came from
serious punters who judged that the Queen’s filly, Estimate (7/2f), had a
serious chance in the Ascot Gold Cup, but much more came from occasional
punters and those who hoped the monarch might at last win the race she has so
desired for more than half a century.
And for once, both the
professionals and the eternal optimists got it right as the Sir Michael
Stoute-trained four-year-old stayed on in tenacious fashion under an inspired
Ryan Moore ride to get the better of a four-horse war inside the final furlong,
eventually prevailing from Ireland’s Simenon, France’s Top Trip and
last year’s winner Colour Vision.
Two years ago, Moore had
broken down in tears as the weight of public expectation had weighed heavily on
his slim shoulders and he could only guide the royal colt Carlton House into
third place in the Epsom Derby when sent off favourite, an easy pick to make
when you can see the
horse’s pedigree.
However, this time, the former champion
jockey was all smiles as he brought the attractive daughter of German sire,
Monsun, back to a rapturous reception that topped even her own winning effort
in last year’s Queen’s Vase at the same meeting.
The most
unique feature of the win though was the sheer joy shown by the Queen and her
excitement at winning the showcase staying race on the calendar, her obvious
delight and rarely seen animated expressions revealing a rarely seen other side
to the head of the royal family.
Estimate will be a tremendous addition
to the royal studs, but no details have yet emerged as to where she will race
next. Runner-up, Simenon, may well bid for the Melbourne Cup in November, while
Top Trip is likely to bid for the Group 1 Prix du Cadran at Longchamp on Arc de
Triomphe weekend in October.
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