Queen Camilla returns to York Racecourse for Ebor Festival

Dressed in pale blue, Camilla waved at racegoers today (Saturday, August 24) as she attended day four of the Sky Bet Ebor Festival.

She cut the ribbon to open the racecourse’s new Bustardthorpe Development – refurbishing the 1913 Bustardthorpe Stand – before walking through the stand and speaking with racegoers and officials.

Queen Camilla watches the action from the stand at York Racecourse on Saturday (Image: Dylan Connell)

Camilla “seemed very keen” to stroke a former racehorse during the event, Pam Atkinsons, who, along with Kevin Atkinsons, founded the charity New Beginnings.

The Queen crossed over the track to meet the founders of the charity, which retains ex-horses for new careers – for example, in dressage.

Queen Camilla making her way through York Racecourse with police and security (Image: Dylan Connell)

While there, she also met Goldream, the equine ambassador to the racecourse, and another horse called Nearly Caught, spending time stroking them both.

Ms Atkinson said: “We were delighted to meet the Queen and introduce her to Remy (Goldream) and Nearly Caught (Nico).

Queen Camilla during day four of the Sky Bet Ebor Festival at York Racecourse (Image: Mike Egerton/PA Wire)

“We’ve been working with York Racecourse for 14 years so for the Queen to come and acknowledge our work was fantastic.”

• PICTURES: Racegoers descend on York for final day of Ebor Festival

Camilla watched the first race from the stand and was met by waves from racegoers.

Queen Camilla waves to the crowd at York Racecourse on Saturday (Image: Dylan Connell)

Afterwards, she made her way – accompanied by police and security – to the pre-parade ring to see her horse, Reaching High, parade ahead of the Sky Bet Melrose Stakes in which he was unplaced.

Camilla also met members of the Falcons Display Team and watched the action with racing manager John Warren.

Queen Camilla with winning jockey William Lee and connections of Magical Zoe after they won the the Sky Bet Ebor Handicap during day four of the Sky Bet Ebor Festival at York Racecourse (Image: Mike Egerton/PA Wire)

Today’s royal visit followed the Queen’s surprise appearance at the racecourse yesterday.

As The Press reported, Camilla was understood to have attended yesterday to watch the Crown Estate, the horse she co-owns with King Charles which was bred by the late Queen Elizabeth II.

• Queen makes surprise appearance at York Racecourse

Crown Estate raced in the 5.20pm Sky Bet Mile Handicap but did not place.