The Queen's Platinum Jubilee will feature a special parade to honour one of her favourite hobbies.
A selection of Her Majesty's horses are being prepared for the event near London on June 4. It forms part of the celebrations at Epsom on Derby day, where the Queen is due to be in attendance. The big race is the only one of the five horse racing Classics the reigning monarch has not won. This year there will not be a runner carrying the famous royal silks, but there may be in other races on the prestigious card.
To mark the Queen's arrival, 40 jockeys who have ridden her horses are going to form a Guard of Honour, in plans announced by The Jockey Club. Five of her former racehorses, including Barbers Shop, who competed in the 2009 Cheltenham Gold Cup, will be on show during the afternoon.
As well as being a passionate supporter of horse racing and Patron of The Jockey Club, The Queen enjoys following their progress in retirement and takes considerable pride in their success.
Phil White, London Regional Director at The Jockey Club, said: “We’re delighted that Retraining of Racehorses will be bringing some of Her Majesty’s former racehorses to parade on Cazoo Derby Day.
“We know The Queen is incredibly fond of all of her horses, whether they are racing or involved in other disciplines, so this will be a great way to combine her passion for the thoroughbred with a chance to educate people about the work RoR do and the lives racehorses live once their careers on the track have come to an end.”
Barbers Shop, now aged 20, was bred by Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother and he competed in 24 races under Rules. Trained by Nicky Henderson, the bay gelding won eight races and was placed in both the King George VI Chase and Hennessy Gold Cup.
The veteran horse retired from racing in 2012 and added to his achievements in the show ring for Katie Jerram-Hunnable. Crowned champion at Hickstead and Royal Windsor Horse Show, he regularly participates in parades run by the charity Retraining of Racehorses.
Another horse on show during the afternoon will be First Receiver, from the same stable. Sired by 2008 Derby winner New Approach, his final career start was a second place in the 2020 Group 3 Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot.
The Queen's runner-up from the 2010 renewal, Quadrille, is is now the highest-performing former racehorse on the UK dressage circuit for Louise Robson, who is also preparing Prince’s Trust and Forth Bridge for the day.
Showing and dressage are among the most popular second career options for ex-racehorses.
Di Arbuthnot, Chief Executive of Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) said: “It is an honour for RoR and the riders taking part in the parade to be involved on what we hope will be a memorable day for Her Majesty."
Earlier this month, the Queen enjoyed an equine extravaganza at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.
On arrival, fans greeted her with a standing ovation, while celebrities including Tom Cruise and Helen Mirren were in the crowd. Featuring more than 500 horses and 1,000 performers, it kick-started the celebrations to mark the Queen's 70-year-reign.
In recent days, the Queen was presented with a rare Karabakh horse, a gift from the President of Azerbaijan.
The reigning monarch, 96, held her walking stick as guests from the country's Equestrian Federation presented the animal in the courtyard of Windsor Castle.
Tuesday's This Morning programme was hosted by Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield from Buckingham Palace.
