Queen 'thrilled' by special honour celebrating life-long passion
ITV News Reporter Chloe Keedy spoke to The Queen’s racing manager about the accolade
The Queen "will be thrilled" by a special honour which recognises her "unwavering devotion" to one of her biggest passions in life.
The monarch has been inducted into the official hall of fame for British flat racing, which celebrates the equine and human champions of the sport.
John Warren, the monarch’s racing manager, said the recognition would be the source of a “lot of inner pride” for the sovereign, following her lifelong commitment to horse racing and breeding.
The Queen has become the first person to gain membership of the QIPCO British Champions Series Hall of Fame within the Special Contributor category after being chosen by an independent panel of industry experts for her outstanding contribution.
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The monarch is known for her love of horses and racing, as well as being a successful owner and breeder, with eight decades of involvement in the sport.
Mr Warren, the Queen’s bloodstock and racing adviser, 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 has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the bloodlines of the horses she breeds at The Royal Stud in Sandringham.
Her famous purple, gold braid and scarlet colours have recorded more than 1,800 winners since her first victory with Monaveen at Fontwell Park in 1949.
Ten-time Champion Trainer Sir Michael Stoute said: “Her Majesty will be thrilled to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
“She richly deserves it because her contribution has been enormous. She loves it so much.
“I’ve found that training for The Queen comes with no pressure. Because of her understanding, her deep knowledge and her thirst for more.
"She’s always thinking ahead – what I’m going to do with this animal? Am I going to breed it? Who should I breed it to? Temperament, speed, stamina.
“She’s fascinated with the whole idea and we must remember, it’s a very long time that she’s been doing it.”
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.
The Queen said: “My philosophy about racing is simple. I enjoy breeding a horse that is faster than other people’s. And to me, that is a gamble from a long way back.”
The Hall of Fame was launched in 2021 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the QIPCO British Champion Series.
It immortalises the “equine and human champions” of British Flat racing from 1970 onwards.