Destiny Fulfilled with Royal Winner

The hopes of every single racegoer at Royal Ascot came true today with Estimate’s success in the Queen’s Vase for Her Majesty the Queen, giving her victory at the meeting in her Diamond Jubilee year.

The likelihood of a Royal winner had looked to be dwindling as Carlton House was second on Wednesday in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes, and then Momentary was well beaten in the Ribblesdale Stakes yesterday, but Estimate and jockey Ryan Moore were not to be denied and ensured that destiny was fulfilled. Moore kicked the filly off the bend and she galloped to a 5l success.

Every available space in the stands was taken as racegoers rushed from racecourse side to paddock side to see the Queen greet her returning heroine. The cheers rang out as she patted her filly, and then again when the Duke Of Edinburgh gave the winning owner her prize. Today was the first time he has handed over a trophy to his wife at her meeting.

“We always thought the filly would get the trip,” said winning trainer Sir Michael Stoute. “It’s a nice position to have horses for Her Majesty running in races such as this with a chance, particularly in a Jubilee year.

“The Queen deserves the success, she contributes so much to racing, and I’m sure the whole country will have appreciated the victory. And for me it’s a great honour.”


The Queen’s beaming smile on the winner’s podium said it all as she enjoyed her 21st success at Royal Ascot as an owner and her first since 2008.