Queen's horse heads to Epsom Derby as favorite
June 2, 2011EPSOM, England (AP) - A horse owned by Queen Elizabeth II is set to start as a favorite in Saturday's English Derby, Britain's richest race with prize money of $2 million.
Carlton House has been declared for the 1 1/2-mile race despite a late scare over swelling in his near-fore leg. He heads a list of 17 runners for the most prestigious of the five classics in Britain's flat-racing season.
A 3-year-old colt trained by Michael Stoute, Carlton House has attracted big interest because of his royal connections and victory in last month's Dante Stakes in York.
The Queen has never won the Derby but she has entered nine horses this year and Stoute is a five-time winner of the race, including last year with Workforce.