by Andrew Scutts
PRINCE CHARLES and his wife Camilla are to have their first horse in training, a filly by King’s Best named Royal Superlative.
The plan to race her on the Flat in 2008 represents a change of direction for the prince, for although he is a regular racegoer at Royal Ascot, his previous interest in the sport revolved around jumping, a passion inherited from his late grandmother.
In a brief stint as an amateur jockey he had six rides under rules – five of them over jumps – including Good Prospect, who had the nerve to unseat the heir to the throne twice in five days in March 1981.
First, Prince Charles was unshipped in Sandown’s Grand Military Gold Cup, then in the Kim Muir Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
Earlier that season, he had ridden Allibar into second in a handicap chase at Ludlow, beaten six lengths by the Keith Reveley-ridden Hello Louis.
In 2003, the registration of the Prince of Wales’s silks – ’scarlet, royal blue sleeves and black cap‘ – at Weatherbys was cancelled.
These cherished colours can be reregistered, although itis not known if Prince Charles and his wife will opt to do so.
In March this year, the duo presented the Cheltenham Gold Cup to Anita O’Leary, owner of War Of Attrition, but their focus will now switch to the Flat. John Warren, the Queen’s racing and bloodstock advisor, said on Tuesday: ‚I bought the mare, Supereva, at the 2004 Tattersalls December Sale for 110,00gns. She is really nice, has a beautiful pedigree and is related to a lot of successful stallions.
‚We were interested in her bloodlines as she is inbred to Natalma, the dam of Northern Dancer and the great grandam of Danehill and Machiavellian, so Supereva has a lovely pedigree, as well as being a five-time winner in Italy.‘
He added: ‚We sent her to King’s Best as we liked the cross of Kingmambo on top of Sadler’s Wells. The resultant foal has been officially named Royal Superlative by the Duchess of Cornwall.
‚She is at the Royal Stud in Sandringham and will be sent to a training yard in the autumn. The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall have not yet decided who their trainer will be.‘
The Queen’s Flat trainers include Sir Michael Stoute, Richard Hannon and Roger Charlton.
Joe Grimwades, manager of the Royal Studs, told Thoroughbred Owner & Breeder: ‚Royal Superlative is a lovely filly and we are thrilled to bits with her. The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall have been down to see her, and both were impressed. It is very exciting to have her here.‘
