ZARA’S RACE DAY WITH ARCHIE (NO, NOT THAT ONE!)
As royal joins top jockey’s son at Cheltenham...
‘It’s been a nine out of ten’
WHILE all of his friends were working hard at school, little Archie McCoy was enjoying a rather novel experience at the races yesterday.
The six-year-old was given special permission to take the day off and cheer on his favourite horse, Champ, named after his father, A P McCoy – who was named Champion Jockey a record 20 consecutive times – at the Cheltenham Festival.
The youngster could not hide his delight after the horse broke away from the back of the pack to dramatically win the race. Archie was joined by Princess Anne and Zara Tindall, who helped him cheer Champ along the final straight of the course.
After the race, the schoolboy said: ‘I’ve had a great day. It’s been a nine out of ten. I love Champ because he’s named after my daddy. I’ve been coming to Cheltenham for a while.
‘It was really good and I enjoyed being on TV but I’d rather daddy was still riding.’
Nearly 57,000 people descended on Prestbury Park in Gloucestershire yesterday to celebrate Ladies’ Day. The Duchess of Cornwall was among the visitors to defy fears that the festival could become a hotbed for the spread of coronavirus.
Organisers increased the number of wash basins and set up hand sanitiser stations, with numerous signs reminding racegoers to wash their hands.
Despite this, some who attended yesterday took extra measures to try to protect themselves, including wearing face masks.