A cloud hung over royal Ascot today, as Thomas Chippendale first enjoyed triumph as the winner of the 3.05 pm Hardwicke Stakes, before tragically suffering a suspected heart attack shortly after his triumph.

Lady Cecil, the horse’s trainer, told the Guardian: "I'm heartbroken, it was devastating, but at least it was quick and he wouldn't have felt anything.

"I didn't know what had happened until I came back. I thought everything was all right but it seemed all quiet and I had no idea why. The horse had been working so well."

Thomas Chippendale's jockey Johnny Murtagh, said: "He ran his heart out and was pulled up at the line. He lost his balance and I don't know what happened to him. It's heartbreaking for everyone involved - it should have been a great win. It's just devastating the way it's finished."

Elsewhere at the meeting Lethal Force was the winner of the Grade 1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes. The 11/1 shot came in ahead of the favourite ‘Society Rock’.