‘It’s bittersweet’: horse bred by The late Queen triumphs for King and Queen at Royal Ascot

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Royal Ascot The King Desert Hero 2023
Desert Hero ridden by Tom Marquand with owners, the King and Queen, plus William Haggas after The King George V Stakes.
(Image credit: WireImage)

A hero was made at Royal Ascot today (22 June) in the form of the William Haggas-trained Desert Hero, who was bred by The late Queen, when he won the King George V Stakes under Tom Marquand for owners The King and Queen.

The three-year-old chestnut colt is bred in the purple by Sea The Stars, out of Dubai mare Desert Breeze, and he got his nose in front on the line under a great ride by Tom, having been sent off at odds of 18/1.

Gemma Redrup
Gemma Redrup
Former web features editor, point-to-point editor and digital racing editor

Gemma is an experienced journalist, who was a member of H&H staff from 2014 to September 2025. She is passionate about all equestrian sports, including racing and point-to-pointing. She has enjoyed riding out for top trainers Nicky Henderson and Charlie Appleby and took part in a charity Flat race at Epsom in August 2018. Gemma’s has reported from numerous five-star events around Britain and Europe, as well as European championships.