It'a no exaggeration to say Queen Elizabeth II was the single most important figure in the history of British horse racing.
That accolade is not down to her achievements on the track, despite the many great horses who carried her colours to victory in the turf’s signature races. It was her dedication to, and love of, the sport – under pressure in recent times – that served to validate it in the eyes of a nation.
Willie Carson, who donned the royal silks – purple with gold braid, scarlet sleeves, black cap with gold tassel – summed it up. “As soon as you put those colours on, your chest comes out - you feel more important,” remembered Carson. “Any jockey who puts those colours on – they just felt that they had arrived.”
