Queen Elizabeth has sadly had to say goodbye to one of her horses after it suffered a serious race injury on Sunday.
According to Hello! her four-year-old horse Space Walk “pulled up short” during a Newbury race. After jockey Tom Marquand dismounted and vets gave the horse immediate medical attention, the outlet confirmed that Space Walk had to be put down after the race.
Horses have always been a big part of Queen Elizabeth’s life and besides formerly racing at Royal Ascot with other members of her family, she now operates her own racing stables.
Called an “expensive hobby” by Royal finance expert David McClure, he estimated the stables cost “about £600,000 a year” and the Telegraph added it had earned roughly £7 million in prize money. The Queen regularly watches from the sidelines at Royal Ascot, which is said to be one of her favourite events of the year, from a dedicated VIP Royal Box.
This year, however, due to safety restrictions the races were broadcast on television and the Queen was unable to attend. Members of the Royal Family, including Zara and Mike Tindall, continued to channel its spirit at home by dressing in a glamorous gown and suit regardless.
Vanity Fair also claimed that over lockdown, the 94-year-old has been “riding daily” at Windsor Castle where she and Prince Philip are currently self-isolating. Photos of the Queen riding her 14-year-old pony Fell Pony around the grounds were also shared online, with the monarch seen wearing a pink headscarf and gloves.
Her love of all things equine has since been passed down through the family, with her daughter Princess Anne going on to make history as the first royal to compete in the Olympics (a feat that was repeated by Princess Anne’s daughter Zara Tindall).
