'That's racing' - Marquand takes defeat on the chin after King's first runner

Thursday: Salisbury

The new royal racing era did not get off to the dream start when the King's first runner Educator was only second in the 1m2f handicap won by Okeechobee, but Tom Marquand took the defeat in philosophical fashion.

Marquand was riding the 11-10 shot for William Haggas and Charles III, who was having his first runner since the death of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8.

"It didn't go to plan, but that's horseracing," said Marquand. "Everyone would have loved to have got His Majesty off to a winning start, but it wasn't to be, although I think that's probably a true introduction to horseracing.

"When you think something is a certainty, it doesn't always go to plan, but it's an honour for William and me."

Educator is led around the Salisbury paddock before his raceCredit: Edward Whitaker

The jockey, who was the centre of attention in the famous silks before the race, added: "I had a bit of sadness putting the colours on because it's the end of an era and, while it's exciting [for the new era], it is sad.

"All I – and most people – have ever known is the Queen and now it's passed on to the King, but it's fantastic to continue her legacy because she put so much passion and hard work into it.

"I met the King at Royal Ascot this summer when I was riding for the Queen and she couldn't come. It's not the magical start, but I'm looking forward to riding him some winners."

Salisbury clerk of the course Jeremy Martin reckoned Educator's participation may have increased the crowd figure.

"It's around 2,500 when we'd normally be 2,000," he said. "It's our final meeting of the year and we lost the last one, so maybe people have come to support it and it's a pleasant enough autumn afternoon, but perhaps the King having a horse running has helped."

Bluestocking skips clear in pleasing styleCredit: Edward Whitaker

Red-hot Beckett

A rampant Ralph Beckett warmed up for a massive weekend by saddling the first three winners on the card and at least one of those already has him dreaming of more big-race glory next season.

Bred by Juddmonte, Bluestocking made a successful debut in the first division of the mile novice and Beckett, who runs the owners' Westover in Sunday's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, said: "She's a nice filly. I thought she might be too raw for today because she's a big, long, angular filly, but she goes well. That will be it for this season and I'd say you'd see her in an Oaks trial in the spring."

Rob Hornby is chuffed with Remarquee after her winCredit: Edward Whitaker

Rob Hornby, due to ride Westover, was aboard Bluestocking and also on the Julian Richmond-Watson-owned Remarquee, who obliged in division one of the 7f novice.

Beckett said: "These winners breed confidence and it's lovely they've run like that, although it's not a surprise because we were sent a lovely bunch of youngsters."

Beckett captured division two of the mile novice as well with If Not Now, who was Dougie Costello's first winner at the course.

The jockey said: "I've just Epsom to go for the full house between jumping and Flat in Britain, but we're talking tracks. For instance, I've ridden a winner at Sandown over jumps, but not on the Flat."

Results, replays and analysis

Sign up here. Minimum deposit requirement. Free bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Minimum odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply