How the Queen played bloodstock agent and changed racing history

The Queen represented many things for many people, but for British racing she was an invaluable patron and the sport's most famous fan.

Her early love of horses quickly blossomed into a lifelong passion for racing and her achievements as an owner-breeder before her death in September are well documented – she was a two-time champion owner and managed to win all the British Classics except the Derby, as well as being a keen horsewoman and a regular presence at the major meetings with a clear appreciation of the Stud Book.

On Tuesday, though, it was revealed she had another string to her bow, one which led to the sale of Irish Oaks winner and top broodmare Helen Street and would alter the course of racing history with the birth of a Dubai World Cup winner, an Australian superstar and a prolific sire.

Speaking at York's 251st Gimcrack dinner, Godolphin's UK and Dubai managing director Hugh Anderson, said: "The Queen was a superb rider, breeder, owner, form analyst, pedigree expert – that's a given – but did you know she was also a rather brilliant bloodstock agent?

"I can verify this outlandish assertion, don’t worry. Back in 1985 the outstanding filly Helen Street, who was owned by Lord Weinstock and Michael Sobell, was coming to the end of her racing career. She was a Classic winner and had an impeccable pedigree, and one would have assumed she was destined to retire to Ballymacoll Stud.

Hugh Anderson: managing director of Godolphin in the UK and DubaiCredit: Patrick McCann

"In those days, Darley as our breeding operation was really getting going and that year Oh So Sharp – in the old maroon and white colours – swept all before her. She was retired to become part of the increasingly strong broodmare band at Dalham Hall Stud.

"However, there was a clear wish to add the beautifully bred Helen Street but this was easier said than done. I understand Messrs Weinstock and Sobell wanted to keep her and were driving a very hard bargain.

"The position seemed intractable until an autumn day at Ascot when all the related parties happened to find themselves in the vicinity of HMQ.

"Suffice to say that there was much speculation within this distinguished group of owners about the future of Helen Street but everything was stopped in its tracks with the Queen uttering the immortal words: 'If I may, please, can I propose a solution?'

"I’m not going to relay in any detail precisely what that solution was but this was the outcome. Darley acquired Helen Street and she went on to produce Street Cry, winner of the Dubai World Cup and sire of Winx, as well as Helsinki, the dam of Shamardal, one of our greatest stallions.

"It was a good deal, to say the least, and on behalf of Godolphin the least I can say is thank you very much, Ma'am."

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