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.聽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鈥檚 passing and remember her extraordinary life and contribution to our sport and our nation.
BHA Chair, Joe Saumarez Smith, said:
鈥淭he BHA extends our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family and all those affected by this sad news.
鈥淩acing owes an incalculable debt of gratitude, not only for Her Majesty鈥檚 dedication and commitment to the sport, but for her public advocacy of it, something that doubtless has driven the sport鈥檚 popularity and attracted a great number of fans.
鈥淭here will be many who work in racing who have enjoyed relationships with Her Majesty through the training and breeding of her horses and will be grieving.
鈥淥ur thoughts are with them, and of course the sympathies of all associated with racing are with Her Majesty The Queen鈥檚 family, on this sad day.鈥�
A further announcement will be made tomorrow as to when racing will resume, together with additional information detailing how the sport will continue to mark the passing of Her Majesty The Queen.
