In a charming glimpse into royal sporting history, racing legend Derek Thompson recalls a memorable race from the early 1980s when he bested the then-Prince Charles on the track. King Charles III, who tried his hand at amateur jockeying during that period, including participating in six races and competing at the Cheltenham Festival in 1981, never clinched a victory. Despite coming close with two second-place finishes, success always narrowly escaped him.
One particularly notable race was Charles’s debut at Plumpton in 1980, a charity flat race where Thompson, riding Classified, crossed the finish line ahead of the future king, who was astride Long Wharf. Over the years, this friendly rivalry became a light-hearted part of their relationship.
While King Charles graciously forgave Thompson for his victory, Queen Camilla’s sense of humor shone through with her clever retort. Thompson recounted to Freebets last year how, during a conversation at Royal Ascot, he apologized for beating the King so many years ago. The King reassured him, saying, “Don’t worry. I forgave you.” However, Camilla chimed in with a playful jab: “But I haven’t, Tommo!” This moment captured the Queen’s spirited personality and added a delightful footnote to the royal racing tale.
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Thompson holds that day close to his heart. Reflecting on the race preparations, he recalled a gallop practice the Sunday before the event, where he rode Classified alongside trainer Nicky Henderson and stable jockey Steve Smith Eccles. Classified dominated the gallop by about 20 lengths, signaling an outstanding performance ahead.
He shared, “I wasn’t showing off – it was just an incredible horse. The stable staff were so confident, they placed bets on me at 16-1. Had I lost, I might have been in trouble!” This anecdote not only highlights the unpredictability and excitement of horse racing but also offers a rare, humanizing peek into the lives of Britain’s royals, showing their humor and passion beyond their formal roles.