The Queen has received a special memento at Ascot Racecourse to recognise the monarch’s lifetime commitment to horse racing.
Sir Francis Brooke, Her Majesty’s representative at Ascot, presented the monarch with the award as part of her induction to British racing’s Hall of Fame.
Photo Credit: Ascot Racecourse
Earlier this week, the 95-year-old monarch became the first entry into the QIPCO British Champions Series Hall of Fame within the Special Contributor category, having been chosen by an independent panel of industry experts.
Sir Francis said: “The inclusion of The Queen within the Hall of Fame recognises her unique contribution to the world of racing, not only as an enthusiast, but also as a successful owner and breeder and as its most important patron.”
The Queen’s Bloodstock and Racing adviser, John Warren, said: “I suspect that The Queen will have a lot of inner pride in being invited into the Hall of Fame.
“The Queen’s contribution to racing and breeding derives from a lifelong commitment.
“Her love of horses and their welfare comes with a deep understanding of what is required to breed, rear, train and ride a thoroughbred.
“Her Majesty’s fascination is unwavering and her pleasure derives from all of her horses – always accepting the outcome of their ability so gracefully.”
The Queen’s inclusion on the Hall of Fame recognises Her Majesty’s lifetime of unwavering commitment and longstanding patronage of the sport.
Before she even took to the throne, Her Majesty has been a successful racehorse owner, winning most of racing’s top prizes.
She also takes a great interest in breeding, having bred top class racehorses from the Royal Stud at Sandringham.
The Queen visited Ascot Racecourse on Saturday to watch Champions Day – a meeting where the very best racehorses meet to crown the champions of the turf.
The monarch spent most of the afternoon enjoying the racing action from the royal box, as well as also presenting the trophy to the winners of the race held in her name.
The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes of 2021 was won by Baaeed – a horse owned by the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Her Majesty presented the trophy to trainer William Haggas, jockey Jim Crowley and groom Ricky Hall.
2021 has been the most successful season for The Queen ever – with the monarch recording 33 wins from 151 runs.
This means she has had more winners on the flat in 2021 than she did back in 1957 when she was crowned champion owner.
