There was disappointment for The King and Queen on the last day of Royal Ascot – even before the racing began – after it was revealed that their final runner of the week had been withdrawn.

The aptly named The King’s Falcon was due to run in the Golden Gates States on the final day of the royal meeting, with prize money available of £110,000.

However, it has been confirmed that the three-year-old bay gelding will no longer take his chance after a ‘bad scope’.

A scope is an endoscopic examination which involves inserting a tube through the horse’s nose and into the thorax in order to examine the trachea.

A build-up of excess or discoloured mucus being present in the trachea and lungs would indicate that the horse is unwell.

This is what is known as a ‘bad scope’. It is not serious, and is the equivalent of a common cold for a human.

The King and Queen will be highly disappointed a the news, but understanding that the horse’s welfare must always come first.

The King’s Falcon was heading into the race with an excellent chance, having won last time out at Carlisle Racecourse 23 days ago.

Trained by William Haggas in Newmarket, he was hoping to put behind what had been an underwhelming week for Their Majesties, with their horses being well beaten in all races at this year’s Royal Ascot.