Desert Hero records historic victory for the King and Queen

Nick Robson and Molly Hunter
June 22, 2023 2:38 pm

Royal Ascot victory is one to cherish.

Desert Hero provided the King and Queen with a first Royal Ascot winner when prevailing in a thrilling finish to the King George V Stakes.

The late Queen visited the Royal Ascot winner’s enclosure multiple times during her reign, but it is the first time the royal silks have been carried to success at the summer showpiece since the King was crowned.

Trained by William Haggas, the son of Sea The Stars was sent off at 18-1 in the hands of Tom Marquand and although catching the eye as he made stealthy progress turning for home, there was still plenty of work to do.

Desert Hero wins the King George V Stakes
It’s a Royal1-2 at Royal Ascot!#ITVRacing | #RoyalAscot pic.twitter.com/xLeopVWwpJ
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) June 22, 2023

Desperate for the gaps to appear, Marquand manoeuvred his mount to perfection as he sought the perfect passage to the front, and when joining the leaders inside the final furlong Desert Hero stuck his head out with real bravery to hold off the spirited challenge of Valiant King in second.

Marquand told ITV Racing: “Genuinely, it is probably one of the proudest moments of being in the saddle so far.

“It’s obviously not on the same level Estimate was on, being in the Gold Cup, but I grew up watching horses like that go and win for the Queen and to ride the King’s first Royal Ascot winner is unbelievable – I’m in dream world.

“Royal Ascot is the pinnacle and riding a royal winner at the Royal meeting is so special.”