The Queen received a special honour attending her final day at the races embracing the lifelong passion.
Her Majesty, who died on Thursday at the age of 96, was inducted into the Qipco British Champions Series Hall of Fame in October 2021. Wearing a vibrant blue ensemble, The Queen smiled broadly as she arrived at Ascot's flagship fixture to mark the end of the Flat season.
A successful owner breeder, the monarch's incredible contribution to the sport was recognised at one of her favourite places. Until recently, the Queen would always attend Royal Ascot in the summer, taking her seat in the special carriage procession before the start of the prestigious meeting.
Last year's award marked her ownership and breeding of thoroughbreds during her 70-year reign. More than 1,800 winners carried her purple, gold braid and scarlet colours – and the only Classic race that eluded her was the Derby at Epsom.
The list included the 2,000 Guineas, 1,000 Guineas, the Oaks and the St Leger, achieved in the years since her first racing triumph with Monaveen in 1949.
The Queen won Royal Ascot's big race, the Gold Cup, with Estimate in 2013. Her Majesty's Representative at Ascot, Sir Francis Brooke Bt, presented her with a special memento during the October 2021 card, which included the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.
It was won by Baaeed, who has remained unbeaten and became the world's highest-raced racehorse.
"I suspect that the Queen will have a lot of inner pride in being invited into the Hall of Fame," her bloodstock and racing adviser John Warren said at the time.
"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 Dick Hern-trained Dunfermline is regarded as the Queen's best racehorse. She won both the Oaks and the St Leger in her 1977 Silver Jubilee year. The filly is one of just four horses to register the double in the last 50 years.
Epsom's Oaks is held at the same meeting as the Derby, one of the key events at this year's Platinum Jubilee celebrations. The Queen did not attend the event or Royal Ascot – the first time since her coronation – due to mobility issues.
