The Queen gives 'significant show of support' during royal visit to Hexham where she listened to racing's concerns

The Queen demonstrated a show of support to the racing industry at a time when it faces many severe headwinds by paying a royal visit to Hexham racecourse on Thursday.

As well as officially opening a new stand named in her honour at the Northumberland track, the Queen was exposed to the grassroots of the sport, hearing first-hand from racing figures, including trainers and racecourse staff, about the challenges they are tackling.

The event was seen as a valuable exercise in racing's attempts to garner more royal support as it grapples with government over issues such as affordability checks, taxation and levy reform.

During the hour-long stay, the Queen engaged with northern trainers Michael Dods, Nick Alexander and Rebecca Menzies.

"She said her and the King love racing, they're looking forward to Royal Ascot and they would love to try to help improve things," Dods said.

"She definitely gave encouragement and said they do realise there is a problem with the sport and there needs to be some big changes.

"If they weren't interested, she wouldn't have been here today. Racing employs a lot of people and helps communities.

"We were saying to her how important it is for the King and her to go racing because that gets the public involved. We've got to attract more people, especially younger people, as spectators."

The Queen with trainer Rebecca MenziesCredit: John Grossick

Last year, the Queen was appointed patron of the Thoroughbred Breeders Association, succeeding the late Queen Elizabeth II, who was patron for 68 years. Her Majesty holds other roles in racing including being royal patron of York racecourse.

During the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, racing not only had a figurehead for the sport but also someone with a deep understanding of the industry and strides are being made to move back in that direction.

Alexander, who is also president of the National Trainers Federation, said: "The Queen was listening and interested. Having the royal family interested in racing plays a big part in keeping it societally relevant.

"I think she recognises that the government needs to engage with racing, but there's obviously a limit to what she can do.

"Certainly her late mother-in-law was quite good at nudging racing on to the government's agenda. It's about getting on to that agenda, whether it's the levy, gambling reforms or the harmonisation of gambling taxes."

NTF president Nick Alexander sees great value in the Queen's visitCredit: John Grossick

The Scottish trainer believes the sport should draw encouragement from the presence of the Queen at one of the small independent tracks.

"It's a significant show of support for a successful and thriving racecourse, which does a fantastic job," he said. "All smaller racecourses should take heart from the fact she's here and interested and wants to see it being a success.

"There are some particularly critical headwinds and if it all unfolds the wrong way, it's going to leave racing in an even less financially attractive state. Everyone in racing needs to recognise that."

Hexham's manager Robert Whitelock hosted the royal visit and stressed the value in the Queen's interactions with key racing figures.

"It's been wonderful to get the Queen here to open the Queen Camilla Stand and also that she's been able to come and listen to some of the industry representatives and trainers who have been here today," he said. "I think she appreciates some of the concerns we've been able to put across to her."

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