Excitement is building across racing and racing circles following the success of The King and Queen’s horse, Desert Hero, at Glorious Goodwood on Thursday.
The three-year-old colt, who in June provided Their Majesties with their first Royal Ascot winner, followed up in taking fashion when winning the Group 3 Gordon Stakes at the Goodwood Festival.
Desert Hero is now being backed for the St Leger – one of the richest and most famous races anywhere in the world.
When asked after the race whether the St Leger at Doncaster is on the cards, The King’s racing manager John Warren said: “The horse is so committed and brave… I wouldn’t be surprise if we roll the dice and give it a go.
“There is almost no downside in giving it a go, so why not?”
The St Leger Stakes is the oldest of Britain’s five classic races, with victory ensuring a place in history.
Queen Elizabeth II won the race in the year of her Silver Jubilee in 1977 with Dunfermline, and King George VI also tasting victory in 1942 with Sun Chariot.
Desert Hero is a particularly poignant horse for Their Majesties.
He was bred by the late Queen at the Royal Stud at Sandringham, with ownership of the horse changing in September when the 96-year-old monarch died.
The young colt provided King Charles and Queen Camilla with their first ever Royal Ascot winner in June 2023 – with pictures of the royal celebrations being broadcast all over the world.
