'She loves the sport so much' - the Queen inducted into racing's Hall of Fame

The Queen has become the first entry into the Qipco British Champions Series Hall of Fame within the special contributor category.

She has bred and owned the winner of every British Classic, apart from the Derby, and has been firmly involved in the sport for eight decades and always receives a warm reception at Royal Ascot.

The Queen was Britain's champion Flat owner in 1954 and 1957 and has enjoyed another fantastic season, with victories including Reach For The Moon in the Solario Stakes and Light Refrain in Group 3 and Listed contests. Her runners in Britain have operated at a 22 per cent strike-rate this year.

John Warren, bloodstock and racing adviser to The Queen, said: "I suspect The Queen will have a lot of inner pride in being invited into the Hall of Fame. The Queen's contribution to racing and breeding derives from a lifelong commitment. Her love of horses and their welfare comes with a deep understanding of what is required to breed, rear, train and ride a thoroughbred.

"Her Majesty's fascination is unwavering and her pleasure derives from all of her horses – always accepting the outcome of their ability so gracefully."

One of The Queen's most famous wins came with Estimate in the Ascot Gold Cup in 2013 when the popular stayer gamely repelled Simenon by a neck under Ryan Moore.

The Queen greets Estimate after winning the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot in 2013Credit: Edward Whitaker

Estimate was trained by Sir Michael Stoute, who has saddled more than 100 winners for The Queen. He said: "Her Majesty will be thrilled to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. She richly deserves it because her contribution has been enormous. She loves it so much.

"I've found training for The Queen comes with no pressure, because of her understanding, her deep knowledge and her thirst for more. She's always thinking ahead – what I'm going to do with this animal, am I going to breed it, who should I breed it to, temperament, speed, stamina. She's fascinated with the whole idea and we must remember it's a very long time that she's been doing it."

Read more on the Queen in racing:

'He showed a bit of class' – Reach For The Moon a Classic player for the Queen

The Queen at 95: gold seal on passion of a lifetime at Royal Ascot

Celebrating the Queen's birthday and her greatest horses

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