The long wait for a British Classic winner in the royal colours will continue for at least one more season after the king and queen’s colt Desert Hero, with his owners in attendance, could finish only third behind Continuous in the St Leger at Doncaster on Saturday.
Desert Hero was bidding to become the first Classic winner for a reigning monarch since 1977, but Tom Marquand’s mount could not respond when Ryan Moore, on Continuous, unleashed his horse’s finishing kick about two furlongs from home.
Continuous, sent off as 3-1 second-favourite, quickly opened up what proved to be a decisive lead, with Arrest, who started favourite at 11-4 to give Frankie Dettori a win on his final Classic ride, staying on into second, a place ahead of Desert Hero.
Quick GuideGreg Wood's Sunday tips
Show
Doncaster 1.50 Richard P Smith, 2.25 Reminder (nap), 3.00 Oh Herberts Reign, 3.35 Cachet, 4.10 Raasel, 4.45 Charming Whisper (nb), 5.20 J R Cavagin
Musselburgh 2.15 Indispensable, 2.50 Sacred Falls, 3.25 Bulls Aye, 4.00 Princess Karine, 4.35 Smart Lass, 5.10 Haizoom, 5.45 Doomsday
More details to follow …