Tragedy as Royal Ascot horse Harry's Girl dies seconds into opening race of day two

Royal Ascot was hit by a tragedy on the second day of racing after the death of the horst Harry's Girl.

Harry's Girl broke down during the opening race of the day, the Queen Mary Stakes.

Footage showed Harry's Girl, ridden by jockey Sean Levey, at the back of the field after reportedly after suffering a leg injury.

The race continued with Aidan O'Brien's True Love emerging as the winner. 

Royal Ascot confirmed the death of Harry's Girl on social media. 

'Unfortunately, Harry's Girl suffered a fatal injury during The Queen Mary Stakes,' a statement read.

'Our thoughts go out to all connections at this time.'

ITV Racing presenter Ed Chamberlin confirmed the news to viewers following the race, describing the incident as 'horrible'.

The Richard Hannon-trained two-year-old filly had been competing in just her third race.

Harry's Girl had won on debut at Newmarket in April, before finishing second at York last month in a listed race.

Harry's Girl's handler Will Salthouse had spoken of his hopes  

'She’s a very precocious filly who won well on debut at the Craven meeting and did everything right bar win at York in the Listed Marygate Fillies’ Stakes,' he said.

'I really thought she'd win that day and she appeared home and hosed but got caught close home by a fast finisher on the other side of the track which she didn't see coming.

'Her work has been very good, and she looks magnificent in her coat.

'It's a typically competitive Queen Mary, but she's a strong traveller with plenty of boot and this race has been the plan all along so I'm hopeful of a bold show.'