**Tragedy Mars Day Two of Royal Ascot as Harry’s Girl Dies in Queen Mary Stakes**
One of horse racing’s premier events was left shrouded in grief on Wednesday, as the second day of Royal Ascot was marked by the tragic death of Harry’s Girl, a promising young filly who broke down at the very beginning of the Queen Mary Stakes. The incident sent shockwaves through the historic course and left fans both at Ascot and watching on television grieving the sudden loss.
The Queen Mary Stakes, a prestigious five-furlong contest, had just begun when Harry’s Girl – running for the respected team of trainer Richard Hannon and jockey Sean Levey – sustained what was later confirmed as a catastrophic injury. Despite the anticipation surrounding her third career appearance, the race was cut short for Harry’s Girl within seconds, leaving the racing community reeling.
Racegoers in attendance, alongside millions watching ITV’s live broadcast, were visibly shaken by the events. ITV Racing’s lead presenter, Ed Chamberlin, addressed viewers shortly after the incident. “This has been confirmed by Ascot – Harry’s Girl did suffer a fatal injury. Our heartfelt thoughts go out to all her connections,” Chamberlin said, adding, “It’s desperately sad for the Hannon team, especially after celebrating a win yesterday.”
An official statement released by Ascot Racecourse acknowledged the gravity of the event: “Unfortunately, Harry’s Girl suffered a fatal injury during The Queen Mary Stakes. Our thoughts go out to all connections at this very difficult time.” The sombre mood hung over the remainder of the day’s races, with many fans expressing their condolences and grief on social media.
Many racing enthusiasts took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their heartbreak, with tributes pouring in for the filly and her team. One viewer tweeted, “A sad start to the day, with a horse lost in the Queen Mary. It’s hard to celebrate or feel excited for the rest of the meeting when this happens. Thoughts with Harry’s Girl and those who loved her.” Another added, “Talented horse, gone too soon. Rest easy.”
The loss was made more poignant by the fact that Harry’s Girl, just two years old, had already achieved success, winning impressively on debut at Newmarket in April before placing at York in May. Her trainer, Richard Hannon, had spoken highly of her prospects ahead of Ascot, describing her as “very precocious” and a “strong traveller with plenty of boot”. There was confidence within the yard that she would give a bold account in what was expected to be a highly competitive Queen Mary.
This latest tragedy also follows another recent fatality for Hannon’s stable, as Norman’s Cay died at the Epsom Derby meeting only weeks earlier. These incidents have inevitably prompted renewed discussion within the sport about equine safety and the inherent risks of flat racing at the highest level.
Despite the heartbreaking scenes, the Queen Mary Stakes went ahead and was ultimately won by True Love, ridden by Ryan Moore for celebrated trainer Aidan O’Brien. The hotly-favoured pair saw off a spirited challenge from Flowerhead, a 100-1 outsider, with Lennilu rounding out the placings in third. The win also marked O’Brien’s inaugural success in the Queen Mary Stakes, although the celebrations were subdued given the circumstances of the day.
Harry’s Girl’s brief but brilliant career came to an abrupt and tragic end, leaving behind memories of her early promise and a sense of what might have been. As the sun set on Ascot’s second day, the racing world found itself reflecting not just on the thrill of sport, but on the fragility of life – both its victories and its devastating losses.
Royal Ascot will continue through the week, but for many, the memory of Harry’s Girl and the sombre events of Wednesday will serve as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable and emotional nature of horse racing. The responses from fans, professionals, and commentators alike have highlighted the deep bonds between human and horse that underpin this storied sport.