The odds-on favourite for the race was Preserve, the undefeated winner of the 1000 Guineas, but Queen of Trumps, despite her lack of public form and looking less than fully fit, was well-supported and went off the 7/1 second choice in the betting.

The New Sporting Magazine praised Tommy Lye for his steady riding performance, and opined that he had done only enough to win the race, leaving the filly's true ability undisclosed.

[7] In the St Leger Stakes at Doncaster Racecourse in September, Queen of Trumps met Preserve again, along with Mundig and Ascot, colts who had finished first and second in the Derby.

The meeting was held in generally fine weather and attracted a large crowd, with much interest being created by the attendance of the heir to the throne Princess Victoria.

[8] Despite rumours that she would be "made safe" (prevented from winning) Queen of Trumps started favourite ahead of Hornsea, the Derby winner's reportedly superior stable companion.

Approaching the final furlong the filly accelerated sharply, settled the race in two or three strides and won "without the semblance of an effort" by a length from Hornsea and Sheet Anchor, with Preserve in fourth place.

She was given a "tender" ride by Lye, as her delicate legs were reportedly causing her discomfort, but looked likely to win inside the final furlong when a large bulldog rushed out from the crowd.

Lye managed to avoid the attacking animal, but Queen of Trumps lost ground and momentum and was beaten half a head by the colt Ainderby.