Queen’s devotion to horse racing earns place in hall of fame
THE QUEEN will be filled with “inner pride” at being inducted into the British Flat-racing Hall of Fame in recognition of her lifelong commitment to horses, her senior racing adviser has said.
John Warren paid tribute to her “deep understanding” of training and breeding, saying her “fascination is unwavering”.
The Queen has become the first person hailed as “special contributor” in the QIPCO British Champions Series Hall of Fame, in recognition of her support for the industry and the global investment it attracts because of her interest.
She will be presented with a specially commissioned medal, designed by Asprey. One of the judges, Brough Scott, said the panel was “thrilled that Her Majesty has honoured us by accepting the invitation to be inducted into the Hall of Fame”, adding: “Racing has never had, never will have, so great a supporter.”
The Hall of Fame is chosen by an independent panel of flat-racing experts to recognise “modern greats from 1970 to the present day” – either people or horses – with the Queen joining champion horse Frankel and Lester Piggott, the jockey, in its inaugural year.
Mr Warren, who has worked with the Queen for 27 years, 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
‘My philosophy about racing is simple. I enjoy breeding a horse that is faster than other people’s’
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.”
The Hall of Fame was launched in 2021 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the QIPCO British Champion Series.
The Queen’s entry in the Hall of Fame reads: “The Queen’s lifetime love of horses has never diminished, with her devotion as a passionate fan, an owner, breeder and ambassador unwavering.”
It described her as a “treasured figurehead” who “has been part of racing’s fabric for as long as anyone can remember”. It also references the monarch’s personal view on racing which she shared in a 1974 BBC documentary.
She said: “My philosophy about racing is simple. I enjoy breeding a horse that is faster than other people’s.”