King and Queen set to watch Desert Hero in St Leger at Doncaster

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King Charles and Queen Camilla set to make historic visit to Doncaster racecourse to watch royal runner Desert Hero in the St Leger

  • King and Queen expected to watch Desert Hero in the St Leger on September 16
  • The St Leger is the world’s oldest classic and Desert Hero is a strong contender 
  • The King was genuinely moved by the gutsy way Desert Hero won at Royal Ascot

The King and Queen are expected to make a historic visit to Doncaster racecourse to watch Desert Hero attempt to win the Betfred St Leger.

Desert Hero, a three-year-old colt trained in Newmarket by William Haggas, gave King Charles his first taste of Royal Ascot stakes with a thrilling win in the King George V handicap – a success that many regarded as hugely important for horse racing.

The late Queen Elizabeth’s love for the sport was beyond question but many wondered what the future would look like for Royal involvement as King Charles had not given any indication he was a particular enthusiast. The Royal stud at Sandringham has been downscaled over the last 12 months.

But The King was genuinely moved by the gutsy way Desert Hero won while he was in attendance at Royal Ascot and it would be a huge boost both for the Doncaster and racing in general to have the King and Queen present on September 16.

Outside of visits to Newbury, Ascot and Epsom, it is rare for the monarch to appear at a British racecourse.

The King and Queen are expected to watch Desert Hero attempt to win the St Leger

The King was genuinely moved by the gutsy way Desert Hero won at Royal Ascot in June

Presence of King and Queen on September 16 would be a huge boost for Doncaster and racing

While it is too early for Buckingham Palace to confirm any public appearance, well-placed sources have told Mail Sport that The King and The Queen may attend. It is likely Buckingham Palace will only confirm their attendance nearer the time.

The St Leger is the world’s oldest classic and Desert Hero is a strong contender in what appears to be, at this stage, a wide-open contest. He followed up his win at Royal Ascot with another gritty win in the Group 3 Gordon Stakes at Glorious Goodwood, stamping himself as a horse on the upgrade.

His presence in the field will spike huge public interest in the race and there will be intrigue to see if he can become the first Royal Classic winner since the filly, Dunfermline, was triumphant in the 1977 St Leger under Willie Carson.

Carlton House, in the 2011 Epsom Derby, was the closest there has been to a Royal Classic winner in the ensuing 46 years but he finished third after suffering bad luck in running. There is cautious optimism, however, that Desert Hero will perform with credit.

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