Royal Ascot had a job on its hands dealing with the Black Caviar crew when they descended on England’s home of racing in 2012 before riding off with the Diamond Jubilee Stakes.
But an even larger Australian contingent will make its presence felt on Saturday when 90 members of Team Brazen Beau cheer on the race favourite in the feature over the tough 1200 metres.
They’ll be hoping the three-year-old can restore some Aussie pride that’s taken a hit this week by poor-than-expected showings by Shamal Wind, Criterion and Australian-bred Able Friend from Hong Kong.
Most of Brazen Beau’s 38 owners from four Australian states, the United Kingdom and Fiji are in England for the Diamond Jubilee.
Along with family and friends they make up a 90-strong contingent.
Grant Morgan, part-owner of the colt and managing director of Ontrack Thoroughbreds which syndicated Brazen Beau, says Royal Ascot has been sensational in accommodating the group.
“We have really set them a task and they’ve been very kind in providing us access to an area in the Royal Enclosure garden,” Morgan told AAP.
The team have booked out the Wyndham Club and will have a few drinks there before the race to calm their nerves.
“With any luck,” Morgan said, “we’ll be having a few after to celebrate too.”
“I’ve warned my crew that Ascot’s a little bit more conservative than what we’re used to in Australia.
“But it will be difficult for them to contain their exuberance and there’ll be plenty of gold on display to match the horse’s colours.
“In the event of a victory I dare say you’ll see a few Australian flags coming out too.”
Morgan said the team was thrilled to be part of the prestigious Royal Ascot race meeting.
Expectations have been building for well over six months.
“We set this horse this task back in November when he won the Coolmore Stakes,” he said.
“That’s where the dream began. So obviously everyone’s very excited to have finally got here and, touch wood, things have gone perfectly according to plan up until this point.
“We couldn’t be happier with the way we’ve got here. We just need to continue to get a good rub of the green.”
Morgan acknowledged the well-publicised international invasion hadn’t covered itself in glory at Ascot this week – yet.
“(But) it may come to the last day for Brazen Beau to fly the flag for the international horses.”
