The King and Queen have enjoyed a particularly special racing success after their horse Bold Step claimed victory at Plumpton – a racecourse with deep personal connections to both Their Majesties.
Bold Step, owned by King Charles and Queen Camilla, won the 1.30pm maiden hurdle at Plumpton on Monday, November 2, giving the Royal couple another memorable result on the racecourse.
Sent off at 13/8, the six-year-old was ridden to victory by Nico de Boinville for trainer Nicky Henderson, having previously finished second on both of his career starts.
But the win carried an extra significance given Plumpton’s remarkable place in the Royal couple’s history.
The racecourse where The King first rode
Plumpton Racecourse holds a special place in The King’s life.
It was there, in March 1980, that the then Prince of Wales took part in his first-ever race as an amateur jockey.
Riding a horse named Long Wharf, Charles finished second in what proved to be the beginning of a 14-month career in the saddle.
Although he never managed to ride a winner during his time as a jockey, His Majesty has enjoyed considerable success as a racehorse owner, continuing the Royal Family’s longstanding association with the sport.
Today’s victory at Plumpton therefore added another chapter to that connection, with a horse carrying the Royal colours returning to the Sussex course to secure a winner for the King and Queen.
Queen Camilla’s childhood connection to Plumpton
The village of Plumpton also has a special connection to Queen Camilla, who spent part of her childhood nearby.
Her father, Major Bruce Shand, lived for 45 years at The Laines, an 18th-century property in the village.
Camilla grew up at the house until the age of 10 and has previously described her childhood home as being “perfect in every way”.
She was also baptised at nearby Firle Church.
Plumpton is therefore more than simply another racecourse for Their Majesties, with the surrounding village forming part of the Queen’s early life and the racecourse marking an important moment in The King’s sporting history.
A royal winner for the King and Queen
Bold Step was bred by Queen Elizabeth II, making Monday’s success another reminder of the late Queen’s enduring influence on the Royal Family’s racing interests.
The six-year-old is by Scorpion out of Side Step and is trained by Nicky Henderson, one of Britain’s leading National Hunt trainers.
His victory came after two runner-up finishes in his previous appearances, having finished second at both Exeter and Hexham earlier in his career.
The win at Plumpton marked his first success under rules and provided a particularly fitting result for his owners.
