Understanding Queen Elizabeth II’s love of Thoroughbred Horse Racing

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For almost three-quarters of a century, Queen Elizabeth II has been a keen lover of thoroughbred horse racing. Her inaugural visit to a racing stable came at the tender age of 16 when her father, George VI, planned a visit to check out two of his most prized assets – Sun Chariot and Big Game. From the moment that the Queen watch the duo power through the galops prior to some of their biggest races of the season, she was hooked. Journalist, Julian Muscat recently told CNN Winning Post that the Queen “patted them on the head and loved the feel and the silkiness of their coats”.

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Ever since, the Queen has taken to horse riding and thoroughbred horse racing ownership like a duck to water. Her biggest meeting on the UK horse racing calendar has long been Royal Ascot. For over 70 years, the Queen has been a regular visitor to Royal Ascot, both as a keen fan of the sport and as a prodigious owner. Back in 2016, the Queen’s horses enjoyed a landmark year on the racecourse, generating earnings of £557,650. Nevertheless, most of these winnings are thought to go towards the cost of training each thoroughbred.

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Queen Elizabeth II’s horses have also been involved in some of the major race meetings in Australia, causing plenty of commotion among those who like to bet on races for sentimental reasons. Back in 2015, the Queen’s stable opted to send a horse named Bold Sniper to the Royal Randwick Carnival, which was seen as a way of keeping her attached to the Australian scene and a key part of the Commonwealth. If the Queen’s stable chooses to send thoroughbreds Down Under in the future, you can bet on their success at Unibet, which offers daily horse racing markets throughout Australia.

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As of the end of 2017, Her Majesty’s horses have finished first past the finishing post on 451 occasions, with total winnings amounting to over £6.7 million during the last 30 years. Each year, fresh talent is nurtured from the Queen’s Royal Stud at her Sandringham estate in Norfolk. All of her horses are foaled here and are given the ideal start in life and the “Sport of Kings” (and Queens).

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