Royal Superlative is Camilla’s best bet
Royal Superlative is the first racehorse Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall have owned together. They also bred the horse at the Royal Stud in Sandringham.
Royal Superlative at Sandringham
The magnificent bay filly certainly lives up to the superlative in her name. Camilla and Charles are hoping she will have a memorable career on the racetrack. The Royal couple will choose a trainer within days, and the filly should make her debut on the racetrack in the spring or summer.
Camilla is said to be “excited” by the challenge after visiting the horse at the Royal Stud at Sandringham on Thursday. It was Camilla who chose the name. However, staff at the Stud use her nickname of “Eve” or “Evey”, apparently after her dam, Supereva. Her sire is King’s Best, a talented stallion which won the 2000 Guineas seven years ago.
Charles and Camilla at Royal Ascot racecourse
It is believed they will register their new racing “silks” early in 2008 before Royal Superlative runs. The alternative is that the horse could run in the Queen’s famous mauve and turquoise colours.
The Telegraph mentions a third option which is for “the horse to run in the Duchess’s name in the brown and red colours of her late maternal grandfather, Roland Cubitt, the 3rd Baron Ashcombe, who owned many winning racehorses in the early and mid-1900s”.
Joe Grimwade, manger of the Royal Studs said, “The Duchess was kind enough to say that she is thrilled with the filly. The Duchess saw the filly in her box and watched her exercising. She has taken a great interest in the filly’s welfare because she is a real horsewoman.
“I think the Duchess — and the Prince too - just want to be involved in the joy of watching something grow from being a hairy little new-born to, hopefully, a successful racehorse on the track. That’s the buzz and the fact that they bred the horse too is an added attraction, because they have been involved in the whole process.This is the exciting stage for any owner. All of a sudden a previously immature individual starts to look like a proper racehorse. The initial target is just for Royal Superlative to be a winner.
“We have been absolutely delighted with the filly’s progress through the autumn. She has come through the whole backing process without any setbacks or problems. She is now at the stage where she is hack cantering in ridden work and we would expect her to go to a trainer early in the new year. She should be running in the summer.”
Here at Royal Anecdotes we will be watching the career of Royal Superlative with great interest.
I had forgotten that the Royals have an interest in horse racing. It will be exciting to watch Royal Superlative’s progress. How could a person find out more about the history of the Royals in horse racing? I used to follow thoroughbred racing and wonder how well their horses have done in the past.
By Melissa on December 9th, 2007 at 12:47 pm
Over here, Melissa, horse racing is called the “Sport of Kings”. The Queen owns horses that race on “the flat”, ie no jumps. The Queen mother was a fanatic who raced her horses in the winter over the jumps (the Grand National, etc).
Since her mother’s death, HM has taken over her horses as well as her own, As a knowledgeable breeder, the Queen also has a stud at Sandringham, where Royal Superlative was bred.
The Queen once won the Derby with Hyperion … way back before my time. And the QM’s horse Devon Loch was within yards of winning the Grand National when it stumbled over nothing and fell. National mourning ensued.
So there’s a huge history of Royal involvement in horse racing. BTW, HM owns Royal Ascot racecourse too.
By John on December 9th, 2007 at 1:04 pm
I was thinking that HM owned Royal Ascot.
Maybe we will see Royal Superlative in the Breeders’ Cup in the fall of ‘08.
That may be a bit of a stretch, as so few horses actually get that far, but I wish her well.
It’s a tough go for fillies in thoroughbred racing although there are always a few that manage to stand out. The great majority (if not all) of the tracks on your side of the pond are turf tracks, are they not?
By Melissa on December 9th, 2007 at 1:23 pm
The Breeder’s Cup would be great. As you say, the dirt track is always a problem for British and European horses, plus the transatlantic crossing as well. Our best hope for years, Dancing Brave, I believe came second after a tough season of Classics here in England. All our courses are turf, except for a few “all-weather” tracks.
Royal Superlative will almost certainly go in for the fillies’ Classics, the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket, and the Oaks at Epsom, around the time of the colts’ Classic, the Derby.
If she’s good enough, she may get to run in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamps in Paris, which is for horses of either sex. I believe it has been won by a few fillies in the past, the name Allez France comes to mind, but I can’t be certain without research.
Also the King George and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Royal Ascot when she’s a 4-y-o may be on the cards.
Then it’s breeding time.
By John on December 9th, 2007 at 1:59 pm
Money isn’t a consideration for HM, but another downside for the fillies is that they are limited in how many offspring they can produce when they retire. It is quite lucrative when a great champion is put out to stud.
The Breeders’ Cup Championships do include races for two-year-olds as well as turf horses along with the races that include three- and four-year-olds, so Royal Superlative will have many shots to advance if she turns out well. I think there might even be five-year-olds that race in some of the Breeders’ Cup races, although I’m not 100% sure on that one. Some fillies do join the ranks of competitors at the Triple Crown races and once in a while a filly pulls out a win, although it would be unheard of for a filly to win the Triple Crown. Of course, for nearly 30 years, it’s been unheard of for any horse to win the Triple Crown. There’s been quite a drought and we’re always hoping that “this will be the year.”
Hopefully Royal Superlative won’t stay in the maiden ranks for very long. That’s always a drag to see a horse in a maiden race that’s competed many, many times yet hasn’t pulled out a win. At any rate, it will be fun to watch. And it’s always great to see the pictures of the spectators in grand attire at Royal Ascot.
By Melissa on December 9th, 2007 at 2:13 pm
P.S. There have been a few turf horses that transition well to dirt courses. It’s not the norm, but it’s not entirely uncommon.
One other consideration, I think, is that you race the “wrong way” over there. LOL Just kidding, but don’t horses race clockwise rather than counter-clockwise, as they do here in the States?
By Melissa on December 9th, 2007 at 2:17 pm
True, most courses are clockwise, but, I believe Newmarket is counter-clockwise, as is Aintree, home to the Grand National, maybe Lincoln too. I’m trying to picture them in my mind’s eye, so I may be wrong.
By John on December 9th, 2007 at 2:25 pm
Thanks for all the info, John.
I am now left to wonder whether the QM enjoyed “National Velvet,” both the book and the movie.
By Melissa on December 9th, 2007 at 2:30 pm
John, I thought that polo was considered the Sport of Kings. Either is qually expensive, of course.
I watched a program on Windsor Castle the other day and part of it shows Prince Harry playing polo. What a splendid and fearless rider he is, and how amazing that he is so skilled at polo at his young age! Another portion of the program shows the Duke of Edinburgh conducting a tour through Windsor Great Park of which he is Ranger, showing all the improvements he has made, which are both remarkable and impressive. His role model in this, the narrator says, is the Prince Consort, Prince Albert, who happens to be one of my personal heroes. I was delighted to hear this!
By Gigi on December 9th, 2007 at 4:53 pm
Royal Superlative is a beautiful horse and I will be very interested to see how this new Royal equine does in competition. I simply adore horses and believe them to be one of the most splendid creatures God ever created.
By Gigi on December 9th, 2007 at 4:55 pm
Melissa, I would be very surprised if the Queen had not read “National Velvet” and/or seen the movie. After all, the book was written by British author Enid Bagnold and the movie starred one of Britain’s most famous exports: Dame Elizabeth Taylor.
By Arthur on December 9th, 2007 at 6:21 pm
Gigi, polo is the sport of Maharajas. It originated in India, after all, and the British Raj adopted it as their own. It’s now played in England and Argentina by the wealthy and the Royal. And, yes, Harry is a splendid player, a real asset to any team.
The Windsor documentary you mention is one of the best I’ve seen. Incidentally, William will take over as Ranger of Windsor Great Park in 2009. PP will retire — well deserved at 88, or thereabouts.
By John on December 9th, 2007 at 6:32 pm
Arthur, National Velvet plays on UK TV quite a lot. I’d be very surprised if HM hasn’t seen it. It’s a kind of take on Black Beauty, isn’t it?
By John on December 9th, 2007 at 6:35 pm
National Velvet is one of my favorite movies. It was an early vehicle for a very young Elizabeth Taylor and one of the best supporting casts of that era–Mickey Rooney, Donald Crisp, Anne Revere and a young Angela Lansbury. It is not really a take on Black Beauty because Black Beauty was seen through the eyes of the horse, whereas National Velvet is seen through the eyes of Velvet Brown, the young girl who, though not a professional jockey, rides an unknown, untried horse in the Grand National. The underlying themes of the movie are trust, belief in oneself and redemption.
By Gigi on December 9th, 2007 at 7:04 pm
John, both books teach very valuable lessions in morality; however, I prefer Black Beauty because the stroy is told through the persona of the horse which is more magical for the young reader.
By Arthur on December 9th, 2007 at 7:06 pm
Arthur, I was thinking how the Queen Mother must have loved “National Velvet” but I’m sure HM would, too. I read the book as a child and saw the movie when it played on television. Elizabeth Taylor was perfect in her part.
Sometimes it’s easy to forget that she is British, as traces of her accent are gone.
By Melissa on December 9th, 2007 at 7:13 pm
We also can’t forget the “Black Stallion” series of books when it comes to horses and racing. The author, Walter Farley, was an American and the books were/are a worthy read.
I think “Black Beauty” may have been skewed towards a slightly younger readership than “National Velvet.” Both are classics,
By Melissa on December 9th, 2007 at 7:19 pm
Well, how did that comma jump on the end of my last post? LOL Should have been a period.
By Melissa on December 9th, 2007 at 7:20 pm
Gigi, there is a big NFL game this afternoon, your Steelers versus my Patriots. Do you think the Steelers will end the Patriots’ 12-0 winning streak? I suggest we put a little wager on the game. If the Steelers loose, you will pour tea and if the Patriots loose, you will pour tea.
By Arthur on December 9th, 2007 at 7:23 pm
Arthur, I’m quite hopeful the Steelers will do it… it was SO close with my Eagles the other week. One Pennsylvania team is almost as good as the other! May I enter into this delicious wager? I think the payout is excellent and worth the gamble!
By Blondie on December 9th, 2007 at 7:41 pm
Blondie, your participation is most welcome. I must tell you, attendance at Gigi’s cyber tea parties is a highly sought after invitation!
By Arthur on December 9th, 2007 at 7:50 pm
We are anxiously awaiting the game, Arthur, with our Steeler gear on!
I hope and believe that the Steelers will prevail! In any event, I shall pour tea! I am sure we could all do with a cup. 
If the Steelers win, you will be able to hear us whooping in all four corners of the globe!! I agree with you Blondie–those Pennsylvania teams are quite excellent.
By Gigi on December 9th, 2007 at 7:53 pm
Blondie and Gigi, I must admit, I am sitting on pins and needles this afternoon. The Patriots came very close to loosing to the Ravens last week. I just hope Patriots’ quaterback Tom Brady doesn’t get distracted during the game, by wondering what to buy his new, illegitimate son for Christmas!
By Arthur on December 9th, 2007 at 8:07 pm
Tea would be wonderful this afternoon, Gigi. Here in Minnesota, we have beautiful snowflakes floating down– not enough for any significant accumulation, but very pretty this time of year. Hot chocolate or hot apple cider would be good, too. And Christmas cookies!
By Evelyn on December 9th, 2007 at 8:20 pm
Gigi, I would be honored if you would pour a hot cup of tea for me, too. May I bring some clover honey to sweeten it?
We are in the midst of an ice storm, interspersed with light snow. It is a cold, dreary and blustery day, best to stay indoors and enjoy a hot beverage. I just made a batch of apricot and blueberry danish so feel free to help yourselves.
By Melissa on December 9th, 2007 at 8:37 pm
With a name like the filly was given I can only assume that great things are expected. Personally I think it is not a very suble name and not a little presumptious!
Of course if the horse is a really as good as they seem to think it won’t really matter what the name is, there have been some ridiculous names of horses and once the horse is successful it just seems a very natural name. No. 26 Valverde (sp!) won the Grand National a few years ago; could there be a more stupid name for a horse than the owners address unless of course the address is Buck House (Buckingham Palace), now that was a truly great horse. I’m like the Queen Mother a national hunt fan.
By Eliza on December 9th, 2007 at 10:25 pm
Eliza, Valverde is actually the name of a town in the Old West that was known for it’s horses in the 1800s. Of course I have no idea if the horse Valverde was named with that in mind, but you can never tell. When I was in elementary school, a close friend of mine had a pony named “Trip” because when she saw him she said “He is the right pony!” So, she called him “Trip” using the t for the, the ri for right and the p for pony. There seems to be no rhyme or reason for what people choose to name things. Then there’s me–I named a recalcitrant computer printer “Squeaky Frome” until my husband objected and now we call the printer “Screech.”
My dear Melissa, you may indeed bring your clover honey! We are having four difference kinds of Christmas cookies at tea–Spritz, candy cane cookies, pinwheels and chocolate crowns. We are also having miniature chocolate eclairs, a variety of tea sandwiches and scones. If Eliza and Melissa will pass the tea sandwiches and cookies, I will pour. Royal Anecdotes Tea is served!
By Gigi on December 10th, 2007 at 3:21 am
Eliza, the Irish are huge National Hunt fans, always have been. When I lived in Cheltenham, I used to look forward to the great invasion of the Irish for the Cheltenham Festival in March each year. They were usually well behaved, despite filling the pubs most of the time. But, boy, did they know their horseflesh!
By John on December 10th, 2007 at 9:35 am
I agree about the name, Eliza. If the poor thing never does better than last in a selling plate, it’s going to cause a lot of ribald comments on Royal superlatives.
By John on December 10th, 2007 at 9:37 am
I’ve never been to Cheltenham but my parents have and my sister who lives in London goes every year. Personally, I’d prefer Aintree, ever since I read a book on Red Rum as a child the romance of the Grand National gets me. My husband is keen too so we will get there.
By Eliza on December 10th, 2007 at 10:41 am
John, when the US Calvary was at full strength and employment here in America, during the Civil War and the years of western expansion, it was well known that the most skilled horsemen were Irish, many of them lately come to America. Scotsmen are also known for this affinity and I always felt that it is my Celtic blood that makes me love horses so much.
By Gigi on December 10th, 2007 at 3:25 pm
True, Gigi, and the British get their aversion to eating horse meat both from the Celts and the Anglo-Saxons who worshipped them.
By John on December 10th, 2007 at 3:28 pm
I am very glad that aversion has continued into modern times, John. I was always surprised (and revolted) to learn that our native Indian tribes here in America, known for their skills with horses, also killed and ate their horses. Pony was a great delicacy and preferred over buffalo meat, in fact. It apparently had nothing to do with the scarsity of food but was purely a matter of taste. I was also stunned to hear, only very recently, that horse meat is so common in butcher shops in France that visitors to that country must take great care when buying meat, to avoid purchasing horse meat. I had thought that this was a thing of the past, belonging to the years of severe food shortages during WWI and WWII, but apparently it is still common in France. Just the idea of it sickens and dismays me.
By Gigi on December 10th, 2007 at 4:26 pm
Horsemeat is regarded as a delicacy in France, Belgium and other European countries. Italy’s mortadella sausage means “dead donkey”.
By John on December 10th, 2007 at 4:29 pm
Gigi, just be careful, when you are in a French restaurant, not to order the “filly of beef.”
By Arthur on December 10th, 2007 at 6:36 pm
The Duchess of Cornwall just named Queen Victoria liner and got no coverage. I think that is very interesting.
By Claudius on December 10th, 2007 at 8:20 pm
Arthur I like it!
By Eliza on December 10th, 2007 at 8:29 pm
LOL Arthur!! I shall be very careful~!
Claudius, do you mean there were no photographers at all at the Cunard launch or that news programs in Britain have shown no film clips of the launch? That would be odd and I think Charles would be livid if this is the case.
By Gigi on December 10th, 2007 at 9:56 pm
Well when Her Majesty launched Queen Mary 2. there was tons of coverage but now that the Duchess has launched Queen Victoria, there was very little coverage. I’m sure there will be video and there are pictures on Wireimage, Getty Images and Corbis Pictures. I just think it was wrong for her not to have any special coverage, that’s all.
By Claudius on December 10th, 2007 at 11:12 pm
Claudius, what I think is odd is that the actual cruise line website has a write-up about the ceremony and photographs of the ship, inside and out, but no photo I can find of Camilla and Charles. Also, in the write-up, it says that the people there for the christening had to be asked to stand when Camilla and Charles walked out. I am very sure that was never the case when Queen Elizabeth II christened a ship, I am sure everyone stood without being asked to! I am surprised that Charles did not arrange for press coverage for this event as his PR people are usually very proactive. I am also astonished that Cunard’s PR office did not arrange for press coverage.
By Gigi on December 11th, 2007 at 12:10 am
I know, it’s all very surprising.
By Claudius on December 11th, 2007 at 12:25 am