Malton trainer Richard Fahey saddled a 66-1 winner at Royal Ascot in 2009

Malton trainer Richard Fahey said The Queen was "very entertaining" when he lunched with her before Tuesday's opening day of this year's Royal Ascot.

Fahey was invited to take part in the traditional Royal Procession to the course, along with the preceding lunch.

"The whole experience was surreal," said Fahey. "Everybody looked after us and made us very comfortable.

"I actually sat by Her Royal Highness at lunch and she was very entertaining, so it was a wonderful day."

Fahey then rode in the second carriage in the traditional procession along the Ascot course's straight mile.

It's been one of those days that I'll never forget Richard Fahey

"I was getting educated on the way that if it was very quick the ride would be very bumpy, and it wasn't a bumpy ride.

"I knew it must have been beautiful ground and I did want to walk the track but I daren't stop the carriage and say I just want to have a walk."

Fahey's memorable day was complete when he saddled the winner of the last race, appropriately the Windsor Castle Stakes.

Marine Commando gave Fahey his third Ascot winner, and stable jockey Paul Hanagan his second.

"I want a winner in every race," said Fahey. "But, if you can get winners at Royal Ascot it's a huge bonus.

"You're never confident here. You just take what you can get, sort of smash-and-grab. And it's been one of those days that I'll never forget."

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