King’s first runner at Salisbury tomorrow

EDUCATOR will be the landmark first runner for King Charles III at Salisbury tomorrow. The William Haggastrained colt, who will be ridden by Tom Marquand, is one of the most promising members of the late Queen’s string of racehorses, which were transferred to the new monarch on her death. Joe Saumarez Smith, chair of the BHA, said: ‘The loss of Her Majesty was keenly felt within the racing and breeding industries given her lifelong passion for the sport, so we are naturally thrilled to see that the horses owned by her will race on in the ownership of King Charles. ‘Queen Elizabeth II left an indelible mark on our sport and her legacy will continue to be felt, not only through the horses that will continue to run in the name of King Charles, but also those she bred who are yet to be seen on the racecourse.’ Educator, who runs for the first time since winning at Newmarket in April, is the first horse to race in the royal colours since Improvise was beaten a short head at Epsom on September 8, the day Queen Elizabeth II died. Meanwhile, star Australian mare Verry Elleegant is in danger of missing Sunday’s Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe because the race is oversubscribed. The 2021 Melbourne Cup winner, shipped to Europe principally to run in the Arc, is due to be supplemented to the race at a cost of €130,000. But there are still potentially 25 entries vying for the 20 starting berths. Verry Elleegant lies outside the runners guaranteed a starting slot because her two starts in Europe so far have not matched the form she showed in Australia. William Buick has been lined up to ride John and Thady Gosdentrained Mishriff after trainer Charlie Appleby ruled out 2021 Derby winner and Arc fourth Adayar.