Day two of Royal Ascot started with tragedy as Harry’s Girl failed to make it through the Queen Mary Stakes. The two-year-old broke down partway through the race and it was confirmed by Ascot Racecourse that the injury was fatal.

Trained by Richard Hannon and ridden by jockey Sean Levey, Harry’s Girl only had two runs on the flat prior to this year’s festival, notching a win and a second place. Tributes have been pouring in for the fallen runner since it was confirmed that she will not recover from her injuries.

A statement released by Ascot Racecourse read: “Unfortunately, Harry’s Girl suffered a fatal injury during The Queen Mary Stakes. Our thoughts go out to all connections at this time.”

True Love was well backed going into the first race of the day at 2.30pm and she converted that fath into a victory as the favourite, just ahead of 100/1 shot Flowerhead in second place.

Confirmation of Harry’s Girl’s passing filtered through to ITV host Ed Chamberlin just as he and his fellow pundits were discussing the winner. And Chamberlin gave a special mention to the owners, Craig Bloor and Will Salthouse, as he paid a tribute of his own on air.

He said: “It is a sad post-script. Harry’s Girl did suffer a fatal injury during the race and our sympathy and thoughts go out to Craig Bloor, Will Salthouse and Richard Hannon himself, who part-owned Harry’s Girl, which is desperately sad for them. Celebrating yesterday, the Hannon team, and that is desperately sad for them today.”

The Hannon team had reason to celebrate on day one, with jockey James Doyle notching a win aboard Haatem in the Wolferton Stakes. But their fortunes took a turn on Wednesday with the tragic announcement that sparked an outpouring of emotion from fans on social media.

Racing fan @DanHorses2 wrote on X: “Talented horse gone too soon. Rest easy Harry.” Elsewhere, @i_horseracing posted: “A sad start to the day, with a horse lost in the Queen Mary. It’s hard to celebrate or feel excited for the rest of the meeting when this happens. Thoughts with Harry’s Girl and those who loved her. Rest easy, love.” And @CalFergie weighed in with: “Horrible to see Harry’s Girl go wrong there, not the start you want on Day 2.”