Superstar's absence delivers a stark reminder of race's troubles

The King George and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, won last year by Postponed (left), takes centre at AscotCredit: Edward Whitaker

Not for the first time, we have good reason to be grateful for the Queen's patronage of the sport.

But for the monarch owning the favourite for the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, what used to be one of the most eagerly anticipated highlights of the racing year would have become one of this season's least inspiring Group 1 contests.

The possibility of the first royal winner of the King George in 62 years creates a handy hook to create interest, but the very fact Dartmouth - a horse yet to run at Group 1 level - is 2-1 favourite underlines that, following Postponed's scratching, this is a King George lacking in star quality.

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Lee MottersheadSenior writer

Published on 20 July 2016inBritain

Last updated 18:30, 20 July 2016

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