The Queen watched the Epsom Derby in her “comfy clothes” as 40 of Her Majesty’s past and present jockeys formed a guard of honour in celebration of her Platinum Jubilee.
The 96-year-old monarch was forced to miss the world’s greatest flat race after deciding to rest up in time for tomorrow’s grand finale pageant in London.
It is hoped the Queen will appear at the end of the incredible extravaganza through the streets of London, with her three heirs princes Charles, William and eight-year-old Prince George - as well as the Duchesses of Cornwall and Cambridege - to say thank you to the nation.
Despite staying at home, the Queen was a winner elsewhere at Worcester, as the royal silks were carried to victory by 7-2 chance Steal A March, with the head of state said to be keeping an eye on racing across the country.
Her granddaughter Zara Tindall who attended with family including her mother Princess Anne who was representing the Queen, said: "She will be watching on the TV - she has a few runners today dotted around the country, so she knows exactly what's going on.
"She'll just be sat on the sofa watching the TV. She'll be in her comfy clothes."
Champion jockey Willie Carson, who was part of the parade of jockeys who donned the Queen’s colours of red, gold and purple once more, said: “I think most jockeys today who were in the colours were very honoured to do it.
“It is a great honour to be doing such a thing. When you put these colours on it is a nice feeling and you feel a little bit proud in yourself and proud to be in those colours.
“It is a great occasion with this week being the Platinum Jubilee celebrations and it is great that we have been asked to be part of it.
“I know for sure Her Majesty was watching at home and will have really enjoyed it.”
Five of the monarch's former racehorses were also paraded, and a selection of hats inspired by the seven decades of her reign have been displayed.
Asked about the royal procession arriving through a guard of honour of the Queen's past and present jockeys, Zara said: "It was amazing. It was so nice to see so many faces. It was funny seeing them trying to fit back into the colours again, all the retired ones.
"Obviously, we'd love her (The Queen) to be here. But it's nice to be here.”
