'She was our biggest patron and it's a colossal loss' - racing in mourning

Willie Carson, who partnered Dunfermline to win the Oaks and St Leger for Queen Elizabeth II in 1977, led the tributes on Thursday after Buckingham Palace announced the death of the United Kingdom's longest-serving monarch at the age of 96.

Carson, who recorded numerous wins in the royal silks throughout a storied career in the saddle, described the Queen's death as a "colossal loss" for the country and the sport, declaring that racing had "lost its biggest ambassador".

"She was the most famous woman in the world, but for racing she was our biggest patron and it's a colossal loss," said the 79-year-old. "Racing has just lost its biggest ambassador.

"She dedicated her life to service and gave everything to enhance this country of ours, but her hobby was the horse. She loved breeding thoroughbreds and seeing them develop was her enjoyment in life.

"Winning a race obviously gave her great pleasure but her biggest pleasure was the horse. She loved the horse and loved the turf and we have just lost somebody who can never be replaced."

Carson was new to the role of stable jockey to Dick Hern in 1977, taking over the ride on Dunfermline for her Classic year from Joe Mercer. The pair went on to win the Pretty Polly Stakes, Oaks and St Leger before finishing fourth in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

Willie Carson and Dunfermline (left) win the 1977 Oaks for the Queen during the Silver JubileeCredit: Gerry Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

He added: "Dunfermline still ranks in the top three of my career. That was a fairytale that came true. On Jubilee week, Dunfermline won the Oaks for the Queen and it was a great thrill to be involved.

"I think the whole of racing will be absolutely devastated that we've lost our patron today."

Richard Hughes had the rare distinction of both riding and training winners for the Queen and described training for the monarch as one of his proudest achievements in the sport.

"It's a very sad day," Hughes said. "I was very privileged to ride for her – I think I rode 50 winners for her – and then to get the honour to train for her. I was very taken back when she asked me – it's probably one of the proudest things I've done in racing.

"I spoke to her ten days ago. She was happy as Larry and in great form. She lived life to the full, that's for sure. She was a great woman."

He added: "Since I've come to England I've been part of it. I've been very, very privileged and I don't take it for granted. It's huge. I never felt nervous talking to her, but she made you feel that way. She was a brilliant woman.

"It will be the biggest loss racing has ever had and a massive blow to Royal Ascot. The Queen makes Royal Ascot – that's what it's all about."

Michael Bell: 'Her pride and the enjoyment she got from her horses was infectious'Credit: Edward Whitaker

Derby-winning trainer Michael Bell, who trained Fabricate to win the Group 3 Winter Hill Stakes in the royal silks in 2018, looked back fondly on a near 20-year association with the Queen.

He said: "It has been the biggest honour of my training career to have trained for Her Majesty. Her pride and the enjoyment she got from her horses was infectious.

"She was a remarkable lady first and foremost, and I am privileged to have been entrusted to look after some of her horses for the last 17 years. It is a desperately sad occasion, but an association to be cherished."

Former jockey John Reid was another to recall happy moments in the Queen's company and described her death as a massive loss.

"I was lucky enough to speak to her quite a lot in my life. When I won my first King George in 1978 she presented the trophy and I met her at different events down the years after that," he said.

"She presented me with my MBE and over the years I was lucky enough to be in her company quite a lot. She was such a nice lady and so interested in her horses and people. She knew as many people's names as she could and always wanted to help people.

"What she's done for our sport is amazing really. She's had horses all these years, loved them to bits and knew them inside out."