There was mild drama at Nottingham Racecourse on Wednesday after The Queen’s horse appeared to kick a competitor at the start of a race.
Clear Day, a two-year-old bay colt, was lining up for his first ever race when the inexperienced horse kicked out, hitting one of his rivals.
As the horses arrived at the starting stalls, Clear Day struck Moonlight Dawn – a two-year-old gelding also making his racecourse debut.
Moonlight Dawn looked none the worse for his unfortunate ordeal, but was withdrawn from the race as a precaution following veterinary advice.
Clear Day still lined up, finishing in 3rd position, collecting £888 in prize money for Her Majesty.
Prior to the race, Clear Day caused further problems in the pre-parade ring where he reared up on a number of occasions, showing his experience.
This is not unusual, particularly in two-year-old races where many of the horses have never seen a racecourse before.
As Clear Day gains more experience and learns his craft, no doubt his pre-race antics will settle down.
Clear Day is not only owned by The Queen, but the monarch also bred him at her the Royal Stud in Sandringham.
The horse’s dam (mother) is Dawn Glory who also raced in the monarch’s colours. His sire (father) is Camelot, one of the most talented horses of the 21st century, winning both the Derby and the 2000 Guineas.
