King Charles ‘not looking forward’ to huge British sporting event as it poses ‘first ordeal’ of his reign

KING Charles is reportedly not looking forward to Royal Ascot – the Daily Mail claims it is the “first test” of his reign.

Last weekend the world stood still as they watched the king’s coronation.

But since the death of the late Queen Elizabeth last September, there has been talk in the sport of Charles taking over the massive royal racing operations.

He has already made a number of changes, including bringing in Queen Camilla as co-owner of the horses his mother left him.

Royal racing adviser John Warren recently said Charles has fully embraced his role as head of the royal stables.

And the monarch has seen some big winners at the track including Chalk Stream who netted £50,000 with their win in Australia.

But according to an article in the Mail, Charles appears to be less enthusiastic about next month’s Royal Ascot.

Although those close to the king say the opposite, the article states: “Unlike his late mother, he has little enthusiasm for horse racing.”

It should be remembered that Charles actually attended the Cheltenham Festival just a few months before his marriage to Diana.

The article then claims Charles “won’t be looking forward to what most in Queen Camilla’s circle consider to be the crown jewel of the season.”

It is claimed that “the Ascot office expects him to be present every day to increase attendance”.

Charles and Camilla are regular visitors to Ascot, with the popular royal procession a key part of the five day festival.

The late queen always presented the gold cup, so the duty could now fall to the new monarch.

Sun Racing have reached out to the Palace for comment on the article, while Ascot have opted not to comment.

Meanwhile, Ascot has announced that a prestigious race has been renamed in honor of Queen Elizabeth II.

The Platinum Jubilee Stakes will now be known as The Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes.

Sir Francis Brooke Bt. His Majesty’s Representative at Ascot said: “The late Queen’s close association with Ascot Racecourse was well known throughout the world, but no race at the Royal Meeting had previously borne the name of Queen Elizabeth II.”

“His Majesty the King has approved the renaming of the Platinum Jubilee Stakes to The Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes.

“This is an eternal tribute to Her late Majesty and maintains the connection to the three anniversaries that have been celebrated since the race began as the Golden Jubilee Stakes in 2002.”