Estimate and Ryan Moore win the 2013 Gold Cup at Royal Ascot. Pic: Edward Whitaker (Courtesy of Great British Racing).

By Simon Jackson.

The Queen’s 2013 Royal Ascot Gold Cup winner Estimate has tested positive to the banned substance morphine.

The Queen’s racing and bloodstock advisor, John Warren, has said that the early indications indicate that the positive test may have been caused by eating contaminated feed.

“On Thursday July 17 the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) announced that a number of post-race samples, obtained from recent race meetings, had been found to indicate the presence of morphine, which is a prohibited substance on race days. Five horses, under the care of various trainers, were affected,” Warren said.

Contaminated

“I can confirm that one of those horses was Estimate, the five year-old filly trained by Sir Michael Stoute and owned by The Queen.

“Initial indications are that the positive test resulted from the consumption of a contaminated feed product.

“Sir Michael is working closely with the feed company involved to discover how the product may have become contaminated prior to delivery to his stables.

Investigates

“As the BHA investigates this matter, including potential links between the different cases, Sir Michael continues to offer his full co-operation.

“There will be no further comment until the BHA announces its considered findings.

“Her Majesty has been informed of the situation.”