RACING has united to pay tribute to The Queen – the sport’s ‘greatest supporter’ – after her death aged 96.
Ascot racecourse, home of the famous June meeting Her Majesty loved to attend, said racing had ‘lost one of its greatest supporters’ as their official website was changed to honour her.
Her Majesty was an influential figure within the sport, both for her ownership and breeding.
Across her decades on the throne, The Queen owned more than 1,000 winners on the Flat and more than 70 over jumps.
As a result, the British Horseracing Authority confirmed racing was suspended today with further news on upcoming meetings coming in due course.
Now, many of those within the sport have paid their own individual tributes to The Queen – led by Frankie Dettori.
Read More on The Queen
Dettori rode 76 winners at the Royal meeting at Ascot but described his only success for Her Majesty as ‘the ultimate victory’.
He wrote on social media: “As a jockey, it was the honour of a lifetime to be asked to ride on behalf of Her Majesty.
“As a man, it was a greater honour to have known such a remarkable person.
“I will forever be grateful for the time, kindness and humour Her Majesty warmly afforded me. Thank you, ma’am.”
While Ascot racecourse – where The Queen attended almost every Royal meeting raceday of her reign – poignantly wrote: “The nation mourns the loss of a much loved and respected Monarch. The world of racing has lost one of its greatest supporters.
“We at Ascot are privileged to have so many memories of Her Majesty The Queen at this her racecourse, including some wonderful victories in the Royal colours.
“We offer our deepest sympathies to His Majesty The King and the whole Royal Family.”
Epsom – home of the Derby, which sadly evaded Her Majesty, headed their website with a picture of The Queen at the racecourse.
Others within the racing world have shared their pictures and tributes, with many jockeys who have ridden in the famous Royal colours sharing their honour at doing so.
Hayley Turner uploaded a picture of herself alongside The Queen, writing: “A legacy to cherish.”
Oisin Murphy did likewise, posting: “Rest in peace your Majesty.”
Youngster Saffie Osborne – who also rode in the colours – said: “A childhood dream and an honour to wear your silks. Rest in peace your Majesty.
“An incredible legacy and a true inspiration. #ripyourmajesty.”
Racing powerhouses, Godolphin added their own tributes on Instagram, saying: “Everyone at Godolphin is deeply saddened by the news of the death of Her Majesty the Queen. She was an outstanding and devoted Head of State who gave her entire life to the service of Her country and the Commonwealth.
“She was also a horsewoman who loved the thoroughbred and our sport with a passion. She is an immeasurable loss to the United Kingdom and to our sport; our deepest condolences to the Royal Family and to the country.”
Jumps legend Richard Johnson added: “Such an incredible person , who will be missed by everybody.”
While ITV Racing host Ed Chamberlin tweeted: “Horse racing has lost its greatest supporter. Thank you your Majesty.”
