Trainer Joe Pride has spoken of his amazement at a ‘very special’ gesture made by King Charles III following this weekend’s racing at Sydneys’ Royal Randwick racecourse.
The King and Queen Camilla were expected to be in attendance at this weekend’s Everest festival, having flown to Australia in recent days to visit of Australia.
Speculation had emerged prior to the meet that the King could make it to Royal Randwick for this weekend’s Everest race and the $5million Group One King Charles III Stakes race on Saturday.
Unfortunately, the royals were unable to attend the race meeting, but it is understood that his highness watched the day unfold on television, with Ceolwulf, who comes from the stable of champion trainer Pride, storming to victory in the 1600m King Charles III Stakes.
It also came after one of Pride’s horses, Think About It – who had been running in the Group Three Sydney Stakes – collapsed mid-way through race.
Jockey Jason Collett had been thrown from the gelding as Think About It came around the final bend heading for home. Collett quickly rose to his feet and ran over to the horse to provide comfort for the distressed animal while it lay on the ground.
Collett has since been hailed for his compassion and bravery after the race, with Think About It fortunately getting back to his feet before exiting the track. The 2023 Everest winner is understood to have suffered a pulmonary haemorrhage, but following reports from Pride, Think About It appears to be ‘recovering well’.
The champion trainer has since stated that the six-year-old gelding will be retired.
Following this weekend’s racing, King Charles had reportedly written to New South Wales Racing chairperson Dr Saranna Cooke.
According to News Corp, the letter was written on Buckingham Palace official letterhead, with the King speaking of his regret that he had missed out on attending the event but congratulated all those involved.
A champion jockey has spoken of his amazement after King Charles III had written a letter to New South Wales Racing following this weekend’s meeting
Trainer Joe Pride (right) saw jockey Chad Schofield win the King Charles III Stakes on board his horse Ceolwulf
‘I just wanted to write and say how pleased I was to see what a tremendous success the racing that took place at Royal Randwick and Caulfield was last Saturday,’ the King said in the letter, according to News Corp.
‘It was very sad that we were unable to attend but, having watched the two main races on the television, I could see that the very best horses were on show, which clearly produced an enormous turnout as well as excellent broad television coverage.
‘It was wonderful to see the best Australian sprinters, which we so enjoy seeing when they come over to Royal Ascot, out in force in the innovative TAB Everest.
‘And I was delighted to observe that the King Charles III Stakes was so well supported with such a field of top milers.
‘I would be most grateful if you could very kindly pass on my warmest congratulations to all the winning connections on what seemed to be a magnificent day’s racing.’
‘Yours most sincerely, Charles R.’
Ceolwulf, ridden by Chad Schofield, outran Pride of Jenni during the King Charles III Stakes.
After the race, Pride had spoken of how ‘grateful’ he was to have found a horse like Ceolwulf, who has now won both of his two previous races, having won the TAB Epsom earlier this month.
Speaking on the letter from the King, though, Pride said: ‘This is a very nice gesture by King Charles to take the time to write the letter and congratulate the connections of those horses that won on Everest Day,’ Pride said.
‘It was already a memorable day for my stable to win the King Charles III Stakes with Ceolwulf and to receive this royal acknowledgement is very special.’
It was an emotional day for the champion trainer, who also saw his horse Lekvarte clinch the Group Three James Squire Angst Stakes earlier in the day.
Ceolwulf (pictured) was the second of Pride’s horses that won during the weekend, with Lekvarte winning the Group Three James Squire Angst Stakes
It was an emotional day for Pride, whose horse Think About It also collapsed during the Sydney Stakes, but according to reports thankfully appears to be recovering well
But worrying scenes unfolded during the Sydney Stakes race after Think About It had collapsed mid-race.
Fortunately, despite initial fears, Pride delivered an update on the horse on Instagram, writing: ‘He had a bad belled in the Sydney Stakes, but thankfully he’s recovered well. We’ll be keeping a close eye on him in the days ahead, but for now, we’re just so grateful to be bringing him home. Thank you to everyone who has reached out with messages and support.’
Pride also paid tribute to quick-thinking jockey Collett following the race, adding that despite enduring a ‘traumatic day’ on the track, Think About It ‘doesn’t seem to be scarred’ by the incident.
‘It’s all instinctual stuff when you get pelted off like that – your natural instinct is what it would be if you were in an accident, which is to check the person beside you,’ he said, speaking on Collett’s actions.
‘That’s the level of respect the jockeys have for the horses they ride, and they have to trust them. Otherwise, they wouldn’t go out there and do what they do at speed.’
‘Jason has been around horses all his life. He wanted to comfort him. The vet looked at the horse again on Monday, the heart is good. Saturday was a pretty traumatic day for him, but he doesn’t seem to be scarred by it.’
