Off the track, a crowd of around 12,000 made their way to Ascot Racecourse as part of the Government’s Events Research Programme (ERP) making the empty and quiet grandstands, synonymous with last year’s meeting something of a distant memory.
Dressed to impress, with hats of all shapes, colours, and sizes accompanied by the glorious British weather, the day was arguably already made.
PALACE PIER – QUEEN ANNE STAKES
On the track, Europe’s top miler Palace Pier proved the main attraction of the day.
John Gosden’s stable star travelled into the lead in commanding fashion and put the race to bed over a furlong out. It was a thrilling start to the Royal meeting with the much-loved Italian, Frankie Dettori soaking in the applause of a significant crowd whilst topping it off with his trademark flying dismount.
Hot favourite Palace Pier gets the job done in the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes 🔥🏆
— Great British Racing (@GBRacing) June 15, 2021
A winning start for @FrankieDettori ✨pic.twitter.com/2iB7OoUPGm
A flying start to the week #RoyalAscot ✈️ pic.twitter.com/Nntd265hqo
— Great British Racing (@GBRacing) June 15, 2021
OXTED – KING’S STAND STAKES
Following a brilliant performance from speedy two-year-old Berkshire Shadow in the Coventry Stakes, it was the turn of the older sprinters to put on a show in the Group 1 King’s Stand.
Amongst them was last year’s winning pairing of Jim Crowley and Battaash, however it was to be young Cieren Fallon Jr and Oxted who stole the show.
Oxted, who hadn’t quite found his best form since winning the July Cup last year produced a simply scintillating performance to land the 5-furlong sprint. A wonderful result for trainer Roger Teal and his family run operation.
Last year's July Cup winner Oxted land's his second big Group 1 as he thunders home in the King's Stand! 🏆🏆
— Great British Racing (@GBRacing) June 15, 2021
Another massive success for @CierenFallonJr 🤩pic.twitter.com/U6v7HimUgF
Words can't describe how I feel right now. So proud of the whole team and huge credit to Ceiren !
— Roger Teal 🛡 (@RogerTealRacing) June 15, 2021
Harry has worked wonders with Fenton.
Thanks to all our external team, especially @EquineZeolite. A great product that has really helped Oxted .
We have just won the kings stand pic.twitter.com/hwMl3ZK2f9
POETIC FLARE – ST JAMES’S PALACE STAKES
In the final top level race of the day, it was the turn of the Irish as Jim Bolger combined with Kevin Manning to land the St James’s Palace Stakes with Poetic Flare.
The QIPCO 2000 Guineas winner oozed class as he extended clear of a competitive field to win gamely. He will surely have some significant targets to come with a potentially mouth-watering clash with Palace Pier looming at Glorious Goodwood.
Here is some of the rest of the day’s social media reaction.
SOCIAL MEDIA REACTION….
THIS 👏 IS 👏 IT 👏
— Ascot Racecourse (@Ascot) June 15, 2021
Good morning from the first day of #RoyalAscot 2021! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/zh43nNTxrS
What a sight!
— Great British Racing (@GBRacing) June 15, 2021
Fans arrive back @Ascot bringing with them an array of stunning hats and wonderful colours 👒🎨 pic.twitter.com/lQhNhxk5ll
Racegoers are back!
— Ascot Racecourse (@Ascot) June 15, 2021
The first spectators arrive for day one of #RoyalAscot
⏰ First Race 14:30 BST
🏇🏻 7 races – 3 Group 1s pic.twitter.com/XkPu5xRKbl
🤣🤣🤣
— World Horse Racing (@WHR) June 15, 2021
'How does it feel to win the G1 King's Stand Stakes at #RoyalAscot?'@RogerTealRacing: pic.twitter.com/EOdvLEnDoR
What it means! 😍 @CierenFallonJr celebrates his first #RoyalAscot winner, on Oxted in the King's Stand Stakes 👏 pic.twitter.com/bcW8PFXc0S
— Ascot Racecourse (@Ascot) June 15, 2021
Ever wondered what it's like to ride a #RoyalAscot winner?
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) June 15, 2021
Join @oismurphy in the saddle aboard Berkshire Shadow…
What a thrill! pic.twitter.com/stGic10WcG
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