Britain’s Queen Elizabeth failed to retain the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot yesterday (19.06.14).
The 88-year-old monarch was joined in the royal box by a number of members of her family to cheer on her horse Estimate – who won the prestigious race last year – but the filly could only make second place, losing out to Irish contender Leading Light.
The queen was joined on Ladies’ Day at the meeting by her husband Prince Philip, daughter Princess Anne, daughter-in-law Countess Sophie, son Prince Andrew, granddaughters Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and grandsons Peter Philips Prince Harry, who was seen entertaining the group with a series of amusing stories, funny facial expressions and a jaunty umbrella-twirling walk.
In the official programme for this year’s race meeting, the queen – who presented the Gold Cup to Leading Light’s owners – had thanked well-wishers for their kind messages after her victory last year.
She wrote: "I would like to thank those of you who were here for the wonderful welcome the filly received after performing so well, and also those who were kind enough to send messages afterwards.
"To win at Royal Ascot is challenging and I know how much work goes into preparing every one of the horses racing. All those involved deserve great credit as well as our gratitude."
Queen Elizabeth’s horse comes second
