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.
The Queen and husband Prince Philip were regulars at Royal Ascot, a meeting they adored
Some of the biggest names in racing wearing The Queen’s colours at Epsom earlier this year
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.
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.”