Queen Elizabeth II: The Queen delights in floral dress at Epsom races for horse Sextant

Queen Elizabeth II beamed as she arrived at Epsom to watch her horse, Sextant, compete at Epsom’s Derby Day. The second day of the two-day horse racing festival in Surrey saw the monarch arrive around lunchtime. She wore a pretty blue and yellow patterned dress, which could be seen peeking out from under a smart blue coat. The knee-length formal jacket was matched by a bow-detail hat in the same powder blue shade.

The colouring appeared the exact match of the bloom print on her gown, making for a very stylish race day attire.

She accessorised with a diamond brooch, pearl necklace and white gloves.

Her black handbag, perhaps containing details of the races of the day, was slung over her arm.

Prince Philip’s wife, like her late mother, is a huge racing fan.

The 97 year old arrived at the race ground with assistants, yet was later seen strolling the grounds alone, perhaps eager to soak up race day atmosphere.

Showing her clear delight at being present for the event, which followed ladies Day yesterday, she had a beaming smile on her face.

She walked around the paddock and admired a statue yet, despite the hot temperatures, kept her coat firmly on

The Queen, with her variety of horses, has never won at the Epsom Derby, but could this year change that?

The Queen’s horse Sextant has been trained by Sir Michael Stoute and is a four-year-old gelding.

A sextant is an instrument used for measuring the angular distances between objects and especially for taking altitudes in navigation and surveying.

Sextant will participate in The Investec Out of the Ordinary Handicap States, which is the sixth race of the day.

This race is one mile and four furlongs long and will take place at 5.15pm after the Investec Derby.

Matthew Newman, myracing.com’s racing expert believes the Queen could be in luck with her horse this year.

Mr Newman told the Daily Mail: “This year she has a real chance.

“Sextant was an impressive winner on his debut at Ascot in May and with only four career starts, he should do better still at Epsom.

“The Queen has Sir Michael Stoute as trainer, he has had five Epsom wins to his name, so she a good chance.”