Sport pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

Ascot, the racecourse most deeply connected with the Queen, paid tribute to one of the sport’s leading advocates.

The Berkshire venue is famed for its royal meeting and procession from nearby Windsor Castle, with the Queen having enjoyed many high-profile victories at the track – not least when Estimate won the Gold Cup in 2013.

Sir Francis Brooke, Her Majesty’s representative at the track, said: “The nation mourns the loss of a much loved and respected monarch. The world of racing has lost one of its greatest supporters.

“We at Ascot are privileged to have so many memories of Her Majesty, the Queen, at this, her racecourse, including some wonderful victories in the royal colours.”

Nicky Henderson, who trained racehorses for the Queen and Queen Mother, added: “Racing has lost its best friend and greatest patron, the country has lost its Queen – but she was more than a Queen. The country has lost somebody who was its greatest servant. She was absolutely the greatest.

“She knew horses inside out, so it was always a pleasure to be able to talk and discuss horses – and lots of other things as well. Her loss is immeasurable. It is an emotional day and I am very emotional.”

Sir Michael Stoute, trainer of Estimate, said: “It was an honour and also a great pleasure to train for the Queen because she had such a formidable knowledge of the horse.”

AP McCoy, the 20-time champion jump jockey and knighted in 2016, said the Queen had an “irreplaceable presence” while fellow jockey Frankie Dettori described it as the “honour of a lifetime” to ride for the Queen and “a greater honour to have known such a remarkable person.”

Sandy Dudgeon, senior steward of the Jockey Club, said: “She was such a wonderful supporter of the sport of horse racing throughout her life, including as our patron, and we will feel her loss most deeply indeed.”