That horse is looking a bit manhandled: Duchess of Cornwall meets cheeky War Horse puppet during visit to Sandown Park

By
Anthony Bond

Last updated at 9:40 PM on 17th February 2012

As a huge horse fan and keen rider, the Duchess of Cornwall will rarely turn down an opportunity to visit a racecourse.

And when the opportunity also arose to meet a horse during her visit to Sandown Park in Surrey today, Camilla jumped at the chance.

However, when she approached the four-legged beast, she would have quickly noticed that something was not quite right.

Strange looking horse: The Duchess of Cornwall visited Sandown Park in Surrey today and met Topthorn, which is a puppet from the hugely successful War Horse theatre show

Strange looking horse: The Duchess of Cornwall visited Sandown Park in Surrey today and met Topthorn, which is a puppet from the hugely successful War Horse theatre show

Big fan: The Duchess looks at the War House model with author Michael Morpurgo looking on

Big fan: The Duchess looks at the War House model with author Michael Morpurgo looking on

That’s because rather than being an athletic stallion, this horse was actually a puppet from the hugely successful War Horse theatre show.

The Duchess was introduced to puppet Topthorn, which was controlled by two men.

And it soon became mischievous by stealing War Horse
author Michael Morpurgo’s red beret.

During her visit, The Duchess also met the Military Wives choir.

Camilla heard the wives sing their number one hit, Wherever You Are, and met the group and service families during the tour in Esher.

She then watched several races, including the Royal Artillery Gold Cup from the Royal Box and also presented trophies.

Mischievous: The horse soon turned cheeky by taking Michael Morpurgo's red beret hat off

Mischievous: The horse soon turned cheeky by taking Michael Morpurgo’s red beret hat off

The cup is one of the oldest and most prestigious events in the racing calendar, having existed for nearly 150 years.

The inaugural event was in 1862 in Eltham.

The race moved to Sandown for the first time in 1878 and has been run there every season since 1921.

The race is restricted to horses that are owned or have been leased by those who are serving, or have served, in the Royal Artillery or one of its recognised establishments or units.

The jockeys must be amateurs and they must also be past or present members of any of the Armed Services.

Time for a chat: During her visit to Sandown Park, The Duchess, right, spoke with members of the Military Wives Choir

Time for a chat: During her visit to Sandown Park, The Duchess, right, spoke with members of the Military Wives Choir

Here’s what other readers have said. Why not add your thoughts,
or debate this issue live on our message boards.

The comments below have been moderated in advance.

Love Camilla!

Camilla seems to be a good sport

Horrible woman and no amount of palace spin, constantly feel good stories in the DM will change that.

Camilla is definitely growing on me. She looks like a good sport and her smile always seems genuine.

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