Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen, the reigning world champion and a near media recluse by Formula One's standards, appeared to voice his confidence in the prancing horse's progress prior to the opening race.

CNN: War of words marks F1 season opener

Browne was no doubt referring to last year's temporary closure of some operations at the Prudhoe Bay oil field in Alaska, delays to the opening of BP's Thunder Horse platform in the Gulf of Mexico, and problems stemming from the 2005 explosion at a Texas refinery that killed 15 BP employees.

FORBES: BP Loses Steam

In the Kentucky Derby, Oxbow chased the pace and was the only horse near the front of the pack in the opening half mile to finish in the top six.

WSJ: Oxbow Upsets Orb in Preakness Stakes

The Queen plays a central ceremonial role in the state opening of Parliament, when she travels by ornate horse-drawn coach to the House of Lords to read out a speech prepared by ministers unveiling details of their legislative plans.

BBC: UK to name part of Antarctica Queen Elizabeth Land

In the opening stages of a parliament, a great deal of 'horse-trading' goes on behind the scenes while mutually acceptable selections are hammered out.

BBC: Q&A: What are select committees?