Lightning Spear heads Royal Ascot Day 1 declarations

Gr. 1 Queen Anne Stakes second favourite Lightning Spear leads Qatar Racing's declarations for the first day of Royal Ascot 2017 on Tuesday.

Gr. 2 winner Lightning Spear (pictured) made a highly encouraging return to action when second to Ribchester in the Gr. 1 Lockinge Stakes at Newbury last month, and he is reported in tip-top shape by his trainer David Simcock as he bids to reverse the form with that colt in the Queen Anne.

With Qatar Racing's retained rider Oisin Murphy suspended on Tuesday, Lightning Spear will be ridden by Jamie Spencer, who has partnered the horse once before - when he made a winning debut at Kempton as a 2-year-old in 2013.

Lightning Spear won't be alone in representing Qatar Racing in the Queen Anne, as new purchase Dutch Uncle will make his first start for Robert Cowell. He will wear cheekpices for just the second time and will be ridden by Martin Harley.

Also declared for Day 1 at the Royal Meeting is Marchingontogether in the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes, a five-furlong cavalry charge for 2-year-olds which closes the card.

Marchingontogether is a daughter of Qatar Bloodstock's first-season sire Havana Gold, and she will be having her first outing carrying the Qatar Racing colours as she was purchased after her winning debut at Leicester in early-May. She'll become the first Qatar Racing-owned horse to represent trainer Ivan Furtado, as well the trainer's first ever runner at Royal Ascot.