Royal Ascot Opening Day Sees Records, Local Favorites Fall; American Favorite Wins

By Margaret Ransom

Day one at Royal Ascot brought out all things for the racing fan — from course records, to the best miler in Europe winning in record time, to the American Lady Aurelia returning to England, and the upset of Europe’s reigning king of the turf. And, for the first time, American racing fans were treated with full-card coverage from paddock to post via NBC Sports Network.

Overall, it was a big day for Godolphin as the boys in blue captured three of the six races on Tuesday’s card.

“Hatta was my first horse [to win at Royal Ascot] and people were surprised when she beat the favorite,” Godolphin’s Shekh Mohammed al Maktoum said. “From that day, we have… (more)