Estimate provides golden moment in history for the Queen

With four days to go to Royal Ascot, we travel back to 2013 when Estimate provided a unique moment in history

A special display of emotion in the royal box was the abiding memory of Estimate’s triumph in the Gold Cup four years ago when the Queen became the first reigning monarch to land the stayers' crown.

The winning owner's racing manager John Warren was the more animated of the pair in the closing stages of the Group 1 but the Queen beamed with joy as Ryan Moore drove Estimate home at the expense of Simenon.

A winner of the Queen’s Vase at the royal meeting 12 months earlier, Estimate had warmed up for the Gold Cup when landing the Sagaro Stakes at Ascot the previous month.

Sent off the 7-2 favourite for the Gold Cup ahead of 9-2 chance Saddler’s Rock, the Queen’s runner looked to have plenty to do passing the stands under Ryan Moore.

The 2012 Gold Cup winner Colour Vision was in front turning for home but by then Estimate had got into her rhythm and she hunted down the leader in the final furlong and held off Simenon by a neck for a memorable win, with many toppers thrown into the air to mark the occasion.

Ryan Moore recalled afterwards: "It's great to ride any winner for the Queen but to do it in the Gold Cup is very special. We had a good draw and the pace wasn't mad at the beginning. She relaxed so well over the final furlongs."

Sir Michael Stoute admitted he had not shared the belief of punters on the day, saying: "I really felt it was a tough task. I wasn't confident at all with her taking on the boys. Her preparation had gone well and she was bred to have a big chance of getting the trip but she had to step up to beat the boys.

“But it was a special thrill for the Queen. She said it gave her great pleasure and she thanked everyone involved."