As we celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, we look back at two of Her Majesty’s five Classic winners during her 70-year reign – Carrozza and Dunfermline, who landed the Oaks in 1957 and 1977 respectively. Carrozza was foaled in 1954 and leased to The Queen by The National Stud. Sired by Dante, winner of the last wartime Derby at Newmarket in 1945, her dam was called Calash. Although only successful in one race, Calash was a full-sister to the great Sun Chariot, who won the Fillies Triple Crown of the 1000 Guineas, Oaks and St Leger in 1942 for King George VI, The Queen’s father. Trained in Newmarket by Noel Murless, Carrozza triumphed in only one of her three starts as a two year old, before making a winning reappearance in the Princess Elizabeth Stakes at Epsom Downs, which at the time was staged at the Spring Meeting and served as a Classic trial. On the back of that success she started favourite for the opening fillies’ Classic of the season, the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket, but could only manage fourth behind the Aga Khan’s Rose Royale, who she had previously beaten into second place at Epsom Downs.
Her first start of 1977, the year of The Queen’s Silver Jubilee, saw Dunfermline break her maiden tag in style as she took the Pretty Polly Stakes at Newmarket by four lengths under Willie Carson, who was riding her for the first time in his new role as Hern’s stable jockey.
Bookmakers were of the view that Rose Royale was the superior filly and she started the 11-10 favourite for the 1957 Oaks. Carrozza, with Lester Piggott in the saddle, was sent off at 100-8 - the longest-priced of The Queen’s two runners behind Cheshire Oaks winner Mulberry Harbour, who started at 11-4.
At Epsom Downs she was sent off at 6-1 and after making steady progress up the home straight she battled courageously in the final furlong to win by three quarters of a length from Freeze The Secret. Official duties prevented The Queen from being present at Epsom Downs, with The Queen Mother representing her.
Given the perfect Epsom Downs ride by Piggott, Carrozza took the lead a furlong out and looked set for an easy success as she went clear. A strong late challenge emerged from Silken Glider and she required all of the legendary skill of the “Long Fellow” to get Carrozza home to win by a short head.
After being unsuited by the slow pace when third in the Yorkshire Oaks in August, Dunfermline headed to Doncaster for the final Classic of the season, the St Leger.
As an overjoyed Queen came down to lead her winner into the famous winner’s circle at Epsom Downs, Carrozza proved herself unwilling to step forward. However, Her Majesty demonstrated her expertise as an outstanding horsewoman and led Carrozza forward to rapturous applause. Sadly a setback prevented Carrozza from running again, although her Oaks success played a major part in The Queen becoming Champion Owner in 1957.
Despite her status as a Classic winner, Dunfermline was sent off at 10-1 at Doncaster. The unbeaten Alleged, who had emerged as potentially the best colt of his generation over the summer and would go on to win the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe twice, was the odds-on favourite. When Alleged took the lead three furlongs out, it was only Dunfermline who could go with him, once again showing both stamina and courage as she wore him down to win by a length and a half.
Dunfermline was bred by The Queen and a daughter of 1967 Derby hero Royal Palace out of Strathcona. She was sent into training with Dick Hern at West Ilsley. Despite not managing to win as a two year old, Dunfermline showed great promise when runner-up in both the May Hill Stakes at Doncaster and Fillies Mile at Ascot.
Carrozza and Dunfermline – two great fillies who gave Her Majesty two wonderful days at Epsom Downs.
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