King Charles III and Queen Camilla faced disappointment on the opening day of Royal Ascot as their horse, Reaching High, failed to deliver on expectations. Despite being the favorite with odds of 3-1 for the esteemed Ascot Stakes, the horse struggled to find a competitive position and finished in ninth place under jockey Ryan Moore.

This outing marked the only entry for the king and queen on the first day of the prestigious Royal Ascot meeting, an event known for combining high-level horse racing with exceptional style and fashion. Prior to the races, the royal couple participated in a traditional carriage procession, leading the procession in front of a crowd comprising tens of thousands of racegoers.

This year, the royal procession celebrated its 200th anniversary, a tradition that began during the reign of George IV in 1825 when he was accompanied by the Duke of Wellington. In the official program for Royal Ascot, King Charles and Queen Camilla expressed their hopes for all competitors, wishing them the best of luck and hoping that everyone watching enjoys the five days of races.

While Reaching High did not win, the couple will be eager for future successes, especially following their first win at Royal Ascot in 2023 with another horse, Desert Hero, who triumphed in the King George V Stakes. The late Queen Elizabeth II, a passionate owner and breeder of thoroughbreds, had an impressive legacy at Royal Ascot, securing more than 20 winners during her 70-year reign.

As the current royal family continues her legacy by taking on her stable of horses, the anticipation for a successful outcome remains high. The competitive spirit of Royal Ascot has a remarkable history, and while this year’s event started on a challenging note for King Charles and Queen Camilla, the excitement for future races is palpable.