Queen Elizabeth is usually the picture of poise but even she couldn’t resist jumping for joy when her horse won at Royal Ascot yesterday.
The 87-year-old monarch was ecstatic when her thoroughbred filly Estimate won the prestigious Gold Cup by a length.
As Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie leapt about the royal box shrieking, the Queen was slightly more reserved, clapping her hands and grinning at her racing manager John Warren.
It was a rare show of genuine delight from the Queen, who usually looks rather more grumpy than jubilant, something which can be excused given her advanced age and punishing work schedule.
It is the first time a reigning monarch’s horse has won the Gold Cup in its 207-year history.
The Queen had been scheduled to present the trophy to the winner, but her son Prince Andrew had to step in and do the honours, as she couldn’t exactly present a prize to herself.
She couldn’t stop smiling as she walked down to the parade ring to inspect the horse and accept her cup.
“It’s amazing, this is her passion, every year she strives to have winners and to have the big one at Royal Ascot means so much to her and to everyone involved in racing,” the Queen’s grandson Peter Phillips said.
“A win like this is truly, truly special.”
