Gutted. That's probably how King Charles feels right now after his beautiful filly Purple Rainbow got yanked from the Epsom Oaks lineup yesterday morning. I've been following this horse since she was foaled—bred by the late Queen herself—and honestly thought she had a fighting chance despite that disappointing run at Ascot last month.
William Haggas made the call Tuesday to scratch her from contention. Brutal timing, really.
The Royal Silks Will Stay in the Closet
Remember back in 2021 when the Queen's face lit up watching her horse storm home at Royal Ascot? Charles won't get that moment at Epsom this year. Purple Rainbow—who's only won once from three starts—is apparently destined for handicap races rather than the glitzy Group 1s that carry all that prestige.
This comes just days after Charles watched his first Willie Mullins-trained runner lose by a whisker in a photo finish that had me shouting at my television. Poor Charles. The racing gods aren't being kind to His Majesty lately.
What the hell happened to everyone else?
It wasn't just the King's filly that got pulled. We're talking about a mass exodus—34 horses in total!—scratched from the June 6th classic. That's nearly three-quarters of the original entries gone in one fell swoop.
Aidan O'Brien (who's practically owned this race lately with three wins in five years) pulled several big names including Ballet Slippers at 14-1. I actually had a small ante-post bet on her... so that's £50 I'll never see again.
The Survivors
Only 14 fillies remain standing after Tuesday's bloodbath. Desert Flower now sits as the 2-1 favorite after her stunning 1000 Guineas triumph for Charlie Appleby. I watched her workout at Newmarket last week and... wow. The way she moves is something special.
O'Brien still has ammunition though.
His Cheshire Oaks winner Minnie Hauk (currently around 7-2) looks a serious contender, while Giselle has been backed into 5s. The Irish maestro clearly thinks he's still got the firepower to claim a fourth Oaks in six years.
Falakeyah: The Dark Horse That Has Everyone Talking
Owen Burrows might have teh best value runner in the race with Falakeyah. After that Listed win at Newmarket, several trainers I spoke with mentioned her as the one they fear most. She's shortened dramatically to 5-1, and I'm kicking myself for not backing her at 12s when I had the chance.
Listen. This race is wide open now.
The Complete (and Much Shorter) Field
Desert Flower, Falakeyah, Giselle, Go Go Boots, Island Hopping, Janey Mackers, January, Lake Victoria, Minnie Hauk, Qilin Queen, Revoir, Trad Jazz, Wemightakedlongway, and Whirl.
That name "Wemightakedlongway" makes me laugh every time I try to pronounce it. Imagine the poor race commentator trying to get that out at full gallop!
I spent yesterday afternoon calling contacts to figure out why so many were withdrawn at once. One trainer (who'd kill me if I named him) suggested many weren't progressing as hoped in their workouts. "Sometimes they just don't train on from two to three," he texted. "Better to save them for targets they can actually win."
Worth £120K to the Winner... If You Can Stay In
The Oaks remains one of racing's crown jewels—a true test over the demanding 1m4f at Epsom with nearly £120,000 to the winner. That's serious money, but nothing compared to the breeding value that comes with having "Classic Winner" attached to a filly's name.
I'll be trackside on June 6th with my usual terrible hat and overpriced champagne. My money's going on Desert Flower, but my heart says Falakeyah might just cause an upset.
And somewhere, I imagine King Charles will be watching, wondering what might have been with Purple Rainbow.
Gambling Responsibly - Because Your Mortgage Is More Important
If you're planning a flutter on the Oaks, remember to set limits, only bet what you can afford to lose, and never chase losses. I learned that lesson the hard way during Cheltenham 2018 when I got carried away and ended up eating beans on toast for a month.
For help with gambling issues, contact Gamcare or Gamble Aware. Your future self will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the financial aspects of royalty?
The financial aspects of royalty can include income from state funds, personal investments, and inherited wealth. Some royal families also own extensive properties and assets that contribute to their financial status.
How do royal families maintain their relevance?
Royal families maintain their relevance through public engagement and adaptation to contemporary issues. Many royals focus on charitable work, participate in social causes, and utilize media platforms to connect with the public.
What is the role of a royal palace?
A royal palace serves as the official residence and workplace for a royal family. It is often a symbol of national heritage and may host official events, ceremonies, and public engagements.
How does one become a member of royalty?
Membership in royalty is typically hereditary, passed down through bloodlines. In some cases, individuals may marry into royal families, gaining titles and privileges associated with their spouse's lineage.
What is royalty?
Royalty refers to individuals who are members of a royal family, holding specific titles and privileges, often associated with governance and ceremonial roles within a state or nation. This includes kings, queens, princes, and princesses.
Statistics
- The global fascination with royal families is evident, as books, films, and documentaries about them frequently top bestseller lists and viewership ratings.
- In Spain, the monarchy was restored in 1975 after the dictatorship of Francisco Franco, and the current king, Felipe VI, ascended to the throne in 2014.
- According to surveys, 60% of people in Canada support maintaining the monarchy as part of their national identity.
- Royal families often have extensive wealth, with estimates suggesting that the House of Windsor is worth over £500 million.
- In Thailand, the monarchy is deeply respected, with laws that prohibit criticism of the royal family, making it one of the strictest in the world regarding royal defamation.
- About 90% of monarchies today are constitutional, where the monarch's powers are limited by law or a constitution.
- The average age of reigning monarchs worldwide is approximately 63 years old, reflecting both longevity and the hereditary nature of royal succession.
- Royal weddings often attract massive global audiences, with the marriage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018 drawing an estimated 29 million viewers in the United States alone.
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Attending a royal wedding requires careful planning and adherence to protocols. Begin by monitoring official announcements regarding the event, as invitations are typically extended to a select group of guests. If you are not among the invited, you can still participate by watching the live broadcast or attending public celebrations in the vicinity of the venue. If you are invited, familiarize yourself with dress codes, which are often formal and may require specific attire. Ensure you arrive on time, as punctuality is essential during royal events. Respect the established decorum throughout the ceremony to honor the occasion.
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