Police horse Atlas is working at what is his last Royal Ascot this week. as he begins his retirement after seven years with Thames Valley Police’s Mounted Section.
Atlas is bringing a long and distinguished career with Thames Valley Police to a close in the coming months by being a part of the procession along Ascot Racecourse, escorting members of the Royal Family and their guests to the Royal Box.
Post-procession, he will be handing over the reins to the rest of the team, who will be carrying out high visibility reassurance patrols in and around the areas of Ascot Racecourse, throughout the day and into the evening alongside.
Atlas’ height advantage of 18 hands 2 ,and his exceptional speed, helps to assist officers with pursuing offenders if required.
The Mounted Section helps conduct vital reassurance patrols, are is a fantastic crowd management tactic, and also has expert skills in community engagement.
This historic event will be Atlas’s last major deployment for the force before he retires.
Atlas joined the force in 2017, and has previously policed a multitude of historic events, including the funerals of HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Prince Philip, the coronation of King Charles III and the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
He has also policed countless football matches, protests, high vis patrol work across the Thames Valley. He has also been involved in many operations, jobs, events and patrols as part of our Joint Operations Unit with Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Constabulary, ensuring the safety of communities across the county.
Atlas will start his retirement with the team on the Mounted Section, while he awaits a spot at The Horse Trust, a charity that provides a home for retired working horses based in Buckinghamshire.
PC James Metcalf will be riding Atlas as he completes his final duties.
He said: “I’m incredibly lucky to have Atlas as my commanders’ horse for this year’s Royal Ascot.
“He is a complete gentleman who will be sorely missed by myself and the entire Mounted Section team when he begins to start his retirement.
“Atlas has definitely earned himself a well-deserved rest following his years of unflinching service.”
