King Charles narrowly misses out on maiden win with first runner Educator at Salisbury

King Charles narrowly misses out on maiden win with landmark first runner as favourite Educator is pipped by Okeechobee at Salisbury

  • King Charles inherited the Queen’s racing operation following her death 
  • William Haggas-trained Educator was his first runner at Salisbury on Thursday 
  • Three-year-old was sent off the 11-10 favourite in the Radcliffe & Co Handicap
  • But Educator had to settle for second as Okeechobee cruised to victory 

Educator finished second as he became the first runner for the King in the famous royal silks at Salisbury.

While His Majesty has previously had runners in the colours he shared with the Queen Consort when they were the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, it is the first time the famous purple, red and gold silks took to the track in his name.

The William Haggas-trained Educator was the first horse to race in the colours since Improvise was beaten a short-head at Epsom on September 8, the same day the Queen died at her Balmoral estate in Scotland.

Educator finished second as he became the first runner for the King in the famous royal silks

The three-year-old was sent off the 11-10 favourite in the Radcliffe & Co Handicap

The three-year-old was sent off the 11-10 favourite in the Radcliffe & Co Handicap 

Once viewed as a Derby hopeful, the three-year-old had been off the track since winning a Newmarket handicap back in April but was sent off the 11-10 favourite on his return in the Radcliffe & Co Handicap.

Educator travelled well enough through the early part of the race, but with three furlongs to run Marquand was pushing along to keep up as Okeechobee cruised into the lead.

Roger and Harry Charlton’s runner went on to win by four and a quarter lengths in impressive fashion, with Educator staying on for minor honours.

Educator (left) had to settle for second as Okeechobee cruised to victory on Thursday

Educator (left) had to settle for second as Okeechobee cruised to victory on Thursday

King Charles has inherited the Queen's racing operation following her death on September 8

King Charles has inherited the Queen’s racing operation following her death on September 8

***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk