King Charles celebrates first winner as Just Fine secures impressive victory at Leicester

Just Fine created a moment in history at Leicester when becoming the first winner in the famous Royal colours for King Charles III.

Trained by Sir Michael Stoute, who was the Queen’s longest-standing trainer and famously saddled Estimate to win the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot in 2013, Just Fine was the King’s sixth runner since the royal colours and horses were transferred to him following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8.

There was barely a moment’s concern as the son of Sea The Stars shot clear of his rivals in the hands of Ryan Moore to score by more than four lengths.

A delighted Stoute said: ‘A winner for the King! It is great to have done that for him – and he was very impressive.’ 

The King’s racing manager, John Warren, said: ‘I’m delighted that the King and Queen Consort have had their first winner and they’ll be delighted.

‘I’m also absolutely thrilled for Sir Michael Stoute, who was probably the longest standing trainer for Her Majesty, and for Ryan Moore, who has put in a big effort as well.’ L Yesterday’s meeting at Huntingdon was abandoned after just two races due to unsafe ground conditions.

The King celebrated his first winner after Just Fine claimed an impressive victory at Leicester

Jockeys reported that their mounts were slipping going into obstacles and following a course inspection the remainder of the card was called off.

Christophe Soumillon has paid heavily for last Friday’s controversial Saint-Cloud incident which resulted in fellow rider Rossa Ryan being knocked out of the saddle.

The Belgian, French racing’s highest profile jockey was banned for 60 days following his reckless elbowing of Ryan mid-race and yesterday learned that his prestigious contract as retained rider for the Aga Khan would be terminated.

The King’s first runner, Educator, finished second at Salisbury on Thursday

Soumillon, whose suspension doesn’t begin to October 14, was permitted to sport the famous green and red silks in Sunday’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe where he rode Vadeni to finish runner-up to British-trained winner Alpinista.

He has enjoyed an association with the Aga Khan’s horses stretching back to 2002 before becoming retained rider for the second time in 2014 and has been 10-time champion jockey in France.

A statement released by the Aga Khan Studs said: ‘Following last Friday’s incident at Saint-Cloud, which resulted in the fall of Rossa Ryan, the Aga Khan Studs have taken the decision to cease their retainer with jockey Christophe Soumillon with immediate effect.’ Soumillon partnered two Arc winners for the Aga Khan, Zarkava (2008) and Dalakhani (2003) and steered Erevann to victory on Saturday for the preeminent owner in the Group 2 Qatar Prix Daniel Wilderstein.