Zara Phillips cast aside royal protocol when her jockey boyfriend won the Smurfit Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham. After Richard Johnson romped home the winner by 11 lengths, he was rewarded with a long kiss from his royal partner.
Their embrace, in full view of a packed parade ring, indicated that the couple are back together. The pair, who broke up last autumn, seem to have now resolved their difficulties.
While Richard was the big winner on the first day of the National Hunt Festival, Zara has been taking a prominent role for several years now. As president of Club 16-24, the 21-year-old has been promoting Cheltenham to young people.
"I am doing all I can to attract more young people and I think it is working," said the Princess Royal's daughter. "I hope more and more will come. That is the best way for them to discover what it is really like."
One person who will definitely be in attendance this week is Zara's grandmother. The Queen will be stopping by on Thursday, to present the prestigious Gold Cup to the winning owner.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
