Touching moment the Queen’s groom laid her headscarf over her favourite horse
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The monarch’s love of horses is well documented during her reign, whether breeding, attending horse races or riding around Windsor Castle.
in 2020, Vanity Fair reported that the Queen, then 94, drove ‘every day’ around Windsor Castle while isolating with the late Prince Philip during the Coronavirus crisis.
It is believed that looking after horses was one of her favorite hobbies, which she would devote herself to during her free time at Balmoral or at the Sandringham Estate, where she would retire for some well-deserved annual time off.
She also personally mentioned the horses that pull her carriages, such as Cleveland Bays and Windsor Grays, which are used for official occasions such as audiences, royal processions and the state opening of parliament.
Veteran broadcaster Brough Scott, 76, told how the Queen would love to gallop across the racecourse before the festival starts, wearing nothing but a silk headscarf for protection.
Speaking to Katie Nicholl for Vanity Fair, Scott admitted officials were probably uneasy about the outings, but added: “It’s the Queen’s job, so she can do whatever she wants.”
“It’s hard to believe now because of her age, but she loved racing the track before it officially started,” Scott said. “It shows what a different time it was.”
Looking at photos of the Queen at one of her informal Ascot races, the veteran broadcaster added: ‘It is incredible to see our young monarch galloping in her headscarf, with a big smile on her face. That’s why she seems so normal.’
On October 10, Her Majesty was presented with the award for her unwavering and lifelong dedication to the sport over the past eight decades.
John Warren, who oversees all of the monarch’s racing and horse farms, said the recognition would be the source of “much inner pride” for the Queen.
It saw her become the first person to become a member of the QIPCO British Champions Series Hall of Fame in the Special Contributors category, having been chosen by an independent panel of industry experts for her outstanding contribution.
Sir Michael Stoute, who has trained more than 100 winners for Her Majesty, insisted she would be “thrilled” by the news.
Mr Warren, the Queen’s blood supply and race advisor, said: “I suspect the Queen will have a lot of inner pride for being invited into the Hall of Fame.
‘The Queen’s contribution to racing and breeding stems from a lifelong commitment. Her love for horses and their welfare comes with a deep understanding of what it takes to breed, rear, train and ride a Thoroughbred.
Her famous purple, gold braid and scarlet coloring has registered more than 1,800 winners since her first win with Monaveen at Fontwell Park in 1949.
This season she has had more winners than in 1957 when she was the champion owner of the British flat races.
In 2020, the Monarch’s groom, Terry Pendry, shared: Horse and dog she was a ‘fountain of knowledge in all things horse-related, you could say a living encyclopedia’.
She bred and owned the winner of every British classic – 2000 Guineas, 1000 Guineas, The Oaks and the St Leger – except The Derby, but is hoping for a win at Epsom to celebrate her platinum anniversary next year.
Ten-time champion trainer Sir Michael said: ‘Her Majesty will be delighted to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. She deserves it richly, because her contribution has been enormous. She likes it so much.
“I’ve noticed that training for The Queen doesn’t come with pressure. Because of her understanding, her deep knowledge and her thirst for more.
‘She always thinks ahead – what am I going to do with this animal? Am I going to grow with it? Who should I breed it with? Temperament, speed, stamina. She is fascinated by the whole idea and we must not forget that she has been doing it for a long time.’
Her Majesty’s entry into the Hall of Fame read, “The Queen’s lifelong love of horses has never waned, with her dedication as a passionate fan, owner, breeder and ambassador unwavering.”
It described her as a “cherished figurehead” who has “been part of the racing world for as long as anyone can remember.”
It also references the monarch’s personal views on racing, which she shared in a 1974 BBC documentary.
The Queen said: ‘My philosophy about racing is simple. I like to breed a horse that is faster than others. And that’s a long-ago guess for me.’
The Hall of Fame was launched in 2021 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the QIPCO British Champion Series.
Her favorite engagement of the year was the Royal Horse Show in Windsor, which she has reportedly attended every year since it began as a wartime fundraising event in 1943. Last year, the show was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic and went online instead of.
She was also an avid fan of horse racing and often raved about her very candid responses when she cheered on her horses, raised her fist, or partied happily.
In 2019, it was revealed that the Queen had won £7.7 million from her love of horse racing after winning over 500 races over 31 years.
Her Majesty won 534 races from 3,205 runs during her racehorse owner career, in both the flat and show jumping races in the UK and Ireland, new research reveals.
The most profitable year came in 2016, a record year in terms of profits, with her horses earning £560,274 in the flat and show jumping seasons dating back to 1988 when the records started, with Carlton House her highest earning horse during this period at £772,815 to profit.