New monarch King Charles III is set to sell some of the best-performing racehorses that he inherited from his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, following her death.
The 12 racehorses that the Queen cared for are to be auctioned at Newmarket's Tattersalls. The Mirror reports that the Queen had an astounding 37 horses all racing in 2022.
A third of these have been given to King Charles, who will auction them off later this year. The Queen was given her father King George IV's breeding and racing stock in 1952, which began a life-long love for the sport of racing.
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Among the horses to be sold is Just Fine - who was trained by Sir Michael Stoute - and was the first horse to win for the new king. The Queen's last winning horse, Love Affairs, will also be put up for sale - despite being the Goodwood winner just two days before the late monarchs death.
A royal source, who is close to the Royal Sandringham stud in Norfolk, has said that there are whispers of breeding operation 'winding down' over the next three years. This will happen until it ceases to be a commercial operation.
The source said: "The Royal stud could be a museum in three years. It would be a real shame."
King Charles - who owns 60 racehorses and 38 brood mares in Sandringham - will also be planning to reduce his numbers soon. The 30 foals that are expected in the new year are also likely to be sold for high prices, just like the Queen's last breed.
Also, a racing source said that the Gulf State yards are the most keen to buy from the new monarch, and have claimed a connection to the Queen.
A royal source confirmed that Charles will reduce the number of horses he has, but also added: "The connection between the family and the horse racing industry will continue.
"The desire is to continue with the traditions and connections with Royal Ascot but not on the same scale as Her Majesty because she had a passion."
The Queen usually sold around seven horses a year, so this month’s planned sale represents a big increase. The late monarch also kept approximately 30 show horses, and also won a top prize at the Horse of the Year show - dubbed the 'Crufts for horses'.
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