From Royal Palaces to the Racetrack: The Royal Family’s Long-Standing Relationship with Horse Racing
The participation of royalty has consistently played a crucial role in the evolution of horse racing in the UK. King Charles II, commonly known as the "father of the English turf," designated Newmarket as the epicentre of English horse racing in the 17th century. His fervour for the sport contributed to its proliferation among the elite, creating further racecourses nationwide. The heritage of royal patronage has persisted throughout history, with Queen Elizabeth II being a notable advocate of the sport, owning and producing several racehorses before her passing in 2022.
From royal palaces to the racetrack, today, we’ll explore the history of the Royal Family and their long-standing love for horse racing.
Royal Ascot: The Most Prestigious Horse Racing Event in the World
Royal Ascot, a premier horse racing event globally, was established by Queen Anne in 1711. The inaugural race, titled “Her Majesty’s Plate,” took place on August 11th of that year, with a reward of 100 guineas. The event achieved rapid success, drawing the elite of British society. Royal Ascot has become emblematic of haute couture, tradition, and premier racing, including some of the world's greatest thoroughbreds and jockeys. It has evolved into a five-day event comprising 18 Group races, with prize money surpassing £7.3 million as of 2023.
The Royal Procession at Ascot is a quintessential institution in British horse racing. Commenced in 1825 by King George IV, it entails the royal family's arrival in horse-drawn carriages, which process along the track prior to the commencement of the races. This event symbolises the lasting bond between British aristocracy and horse racing, attracting global audiences. The event encompasses not just the racing but also the pomp and the commemoration of British ancestry.
Queen Elizabeth II: A Horse Racing Diehard
For years, members of the Royal Family have exhibited a deep enthusiasm for horses and exceptional equestrian skills.
The late Queen, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 96, was an exceptionally ardent rider and spectator. She may be credited with popularising the enjoyment of a day at the races among the general public. The monarch's passion for horses and racing catalysed significant expansion in equestrianism in Britain, and she earned renown as a breeder when her horse finished second in the Epsom Derby.
Her Majesty's illustrious period as a racehorse owner began in 1953, the year of her coronation. Her cherished horse Aureole finished second behind Pinza, marking the Queen's closest approach to winning the Derby.
Her Majesty and subsequent royals garnered significant interest and international investment in the sport, while her presence at race days thrilled spectators and established exceptionally memorable events for British racing.
The royal family's endorsement and Elizabeth's enthusiasm for equestrianism significantly contributed to the substantial increase in the popularity of riding as a sport in the UK following the hardships of World War II.
The survival of equestrianism in Britain during the post-war period of economic hardship was not certain. However, Elizabeth assumed the role of patron for numerous societies dedicated to equines, including the Highland Pony Society, the British Horse Society, and the Fell Pony Society.
Elizabeth, renowned globally as a racehorse owner and breeder of exceptional skill, commemorated her affection for the animals by erecting life-size sculptures of two horses in Windsor.
King Charles Betting on Horses?
Due to the historical link between betting and horse racing, many wonder if the Royal Family ever placed a wager on their favourite horse. Well, when former royal butler Grant Harrold was questioned on this, he said Queen Elizabeth “absolutely” placed bets.
“I know that she placed bets. She would not wager anything frivolous, such as hundreds or thousands. I don’t know, £20 or £10, maybe?” Harrold told BoyleSports.
King Charles and Queen Camilla attended Royal Ascot earlier this year. Similar to his late mother, King Charles is likely to follow suit and have a bet or two, particularly as a prominent participant in the annual ceremony.
The Royal Family and Gambling
Although, in recent times, it would be difficult to find any self-admittance to gambling from the Royal Family, significant efforts are made to safeguard their privacy, shielding them from intrusive scrutiny. These measures are far more advanced than in the past, making it unlikely we’ll ever confirm such details.
That said, it wouldn’t be entirely surprising if such information came to light. After all, King Edward VII was known to gamble, even playing Baccarat when it was illegal. King Henry VIII was another enthusiastic gambler, though you’d want to avoid playing against him—he allegedly had an opponent hanged after losing. Lastly, King George IV had a passion for gambling, though his reckless behaviour led to debts his father had to bail him out from. In modern times, while the Royal Family may prefer to keep their leisure activities private, it's possible they could indulge in playing online slots such as those found on this page, especially with modern slot sites being so secure and user-friendly, offering both privacy and convenience for anyone who enjoys a discreet gaming experience.
In England specifically, there’s a long and storied history between gambling and the royal family, from princes to monarchs. It shows just how deeply gambling is woven into UK culture. Once considered an unlawful activity, it has evolved into industries like horse racing and online casinos, contributing billions to the British economy and providing employment for tens of thousands.
The King’s Men pale in comparison to the Queen’s Horses
The Queen is among the most accomplished horse race proprietors in the Royal Family's annals. As reported by myracing.com, from 1988 to 2017, Her Majesty's horses participated in 2,830 races, securing victory in 451, which equates to an approximate win rate of 16%. Through their victories, she has accrued about £6.7 million and has become the 11th most successful owner of flat racing horses, including wins in all classics bar the Derby at Epsom.
The Queen, who regularly perused the Racing Post each morning, annually visited her horse breeding facility at Sandringham to supervise her thoroughbreds. She has established horse racing as a contemporary association with the Royal Family, featuring Royal Ascot and the Epsom Derby as annual events in the royal calendar.
But Elizabeth wasn’t the only royal horse racing enthusiast…
However, The Queen is not the first and won't be the final descendant of the Royal Family to possess an interest in racing.
Almost all Monarchs have had an affinity for horses; nevertheless, it was not until the 1500s that they began to utilise them for recreation, sport, and status rather than for warfare. The inaugural horse racing events occurred in the 1510s during the reign of Henry VIII.
Queen Elizabeth II won’t be the final monarch or member of the Royal Family to have a keen interest in horses. Prince Charles owns his own thoroughbreds, while Anne has thoroughbreds presently in development under Sir AP McCoy. Meanwhile, Anne’s daughter Zara and Mike, her husband, are also horse racing enthusiasts; Mike acquired Monbeg Dude at a charity auction and has won the Welsh National, secured two significant wins at Cheltenham, and then finished third in the Grand National two years later.
