ROYAL HOPES DASHED AS TREASURE FALTERS AT EPSOM OAKS

TREASURE loses iive on ITV Racing

The King and Queen’s racing aspirations were thwarted when their horse, Treasure, finished well behind in one of the sport’s most esteemed events, which was broadcast live on ITV Racing. Despite the cold and windy weather, Charles and Camilla spent the day at Epsom Racecourse, joining thousands of racegoers for Ladies’ Day.

The highlight of the day was the Oaks, a race Queen Elizabeth II had won twice. With odds of 16-1, Treasure was not favored, but the royal couple remained hopeful. Jockey Chris Hayes expertly guided the Aga Khan’s horse, Ezeliya, to victory, while Treasure lagged at the rear.

Before the race, Charles and Camilla visited the parade ring to see Treasure and speak with its jockey, James Doyle, and their racing manager, John Warren. Treasure was bred by Charles' mother, a dedicated horse enthusiast and racegoer throughout her 70-year reign.

The late Queen’s horses had a storied history, winning four out of the five flat racing classics: the 1,000 Guineas, 2,000 Guineas, the Oaks twice, and the St Leger. The Derby was the only classic to elude her. In 1977, Dunfermline carried the royal colors to victory in both the Oaks and the St Leger during the Queen’s silver jubilee year.

Last year, Charles and Camilla had a memorable flat racing season, highlighted by Desert Hero’s win at Royal Ascot and third-place finish in the St Leger. This year, Charles watched the race through binoculars from the royal box, while Camilla expressed her disappointment when Treasure finished second to last.