Sheikha’s a Royal winner

THE famous maroon and white silks were back in the winner’s enclosure after a break of more than 10 years yesterday when Royal Line came from last to first to win at Windsor.

Royal Line, the second runner for Sheikh Mohammed’s daughter Sheikha Al Jalila, was very green early on but then burst through the field to easily justify 4-6 favouritism by two and three-quarter lengths.

The colours, synonymous with so many turf champions, including Oh So Sharp, Pebbles and Singspiel, were revived last week when Graffiti Master finished fourth for Al Jalila at Sandown.

Rider James Doyle said: “It’s fantastic for the Sheikha.

“I grew up watching the maroon and white silks and they are pretty special colours.

“It’s nice to see them back in the winner’s enclosure.”

Royal Line, whose dam Melikah is a half-sister to Galileo and Sea The Stars, was making his debut in the 1m3f maiden for John Gosden, who also trains the remainder of the Sheikha’s string.