Tom Marquand anticipates Desert Hero ‘ascending the ladder’ as royal contender readies for Sandown comeback

The William Haggas-trained four-year-old provided King Charles and Queen Camilla with their first winner at the royal meeting with a narrow victory in the King George V Stakes. He was bred by the late Queen Elizabeth II. After landing the Gordon Stakes at Glorious Goodwood, Desert Hero has not been seen since finishing third in the St Leger at Doncaster in September.

After being gelded in the winter, he is set to make his return in the 1m2f Group 3, where he will face six rivals.