Shropshire trainer ready for Royal Ascot

Shropshire trainer Mark Brisbourne puts on top hat and tails for the first time in his career when he saddles his first runner at Royal Ascot tomorrow.

And Belle Royale, who runs in the opening Albany Stakes, will probably be the cheapest horse running at the meeting.

The Great Ness handler, who owned half of the juvenile filly with Peter Mort before selling the other half to his partner said: "She only cost £800 at the Doncaster Sales but she is good enough to take her place in that race and there will be horses who finish behind her."

Belle Royale booked her place in the Albany when winning a competitive seller at Goodwood at the end of last month.

And a hopeful Brisbourne added: "I have had four or five winners at the track but this is the first time I have had a runner at the Royal meeting.

"She has been a consistent filly for me this season and apart from that win at Goodwood, she has finished second on three occasions.

"Kieren Fallon rode her at Goodwood and he told me that tomorrow's trip over six furlongs would not be a problem to her and to put a visor on her to keep straight.

"He felt the visor would help on the expanses of Ascot and Goodwood."

By BOB DOWNING