HM Queen Elizabeth II- Statement

All of British Racing is in mourning today following the passing of Her Majesty The Queen.

Her Majesty has been one of the greatest and most influential supporters in the history of horseracing. Her passion for racing and the racehorse shone brightly throughout her life, not only through her close involvement in breeding and racing horses, but in her roles as a patron of The Jockey Club and Thoroughbred Breeders Association, and as the figurehead of Royal Ascot.

From her first-ever winner Monaveen, through stars such as Carrozza and Highclere, to the unforgettable Estimate, Her Majesty The Queen has helped to shape the breed and contributed to moments on the track that will go down in sporting folklore.

It is right, therefore, that all racing is suspended for today and tomorrow as we begin to grieve Her Majesty’s passing and remember her extraordinary life and contribution to our sport and our nation.

RCA Chairman Wilf Walsh said: “On behalf of the Racecourse Association, I would like to express our deep sympathy to the King and Royal Family upon hearing the tragic news of the death of The Queen.

“Like the rest of the nation, British racing is in mourning. The Queen will of course be remembered as an historic Monarch but also as a passionate horsewoman who was an avid supporter of our sport.

“Our thoughts remain with the King and Royal Family. Further information regarding plans for the immediate future will be communicated in due course.”