Bermuda Thoroughbred Racing left Royal Ascot empty-handed on Saturday after their star filly disappointed. Queen Of Bermuda was sent off the 11-2 favourite for the Windsor Castle Stakes, broke well from the stalls and looked poised to challenge at halfway before fading to trail home 17th of the 28 runners.

Connections had faced a difficult choice in the run-up to the big meeting and decided to switch races from their original target of the Queen Mary Stakes.

Simon Scupham, BTR chairman, said: “We thought the Windsor Castle was the safer option, but the gods conspired against us.

“She was clear leader out of the stalls but a 50-1 shot seemed intent on imposing himself on our small filly and forced her over to the far side before she was sandwiched between horses.

“The positive is that she showed great speed and will have her day.”

Queen Of Bermuda is set to be kept busy this year with her next race likely to be the Weatherbys Super Sprint on July 21 before a scheduled trip to Glorious Goodwood in August.