'She was our Queen too' - tributes flood in from across the racing world

The Queen's seismic influence on racing across the world has been captured by those paying tribute to her following her death at the age of 96.

France Galop described her as the "greatest ambassador of horseracing in the world", and its chief executive Olivier Delloye added: "For all racing lovers she was our Queen too. We will miss Queen Elizabeth II."

The Queen has Grade 1 races run in her name in countries all around the world, including America, Hong Kong and Australia, in addition to the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes held on Champions Day at Ascot.

In Canada, a Commonwealth nation, the Queen's Plate held at Woodbine in Toronto is the country's biggest race. The track's chief executive Jim Lawson said: "I send our deepest condolences to the Royal Family, the Monarchy of Canada, and fans and supporters across the world on the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

"For the past 163 years, Canada's largest and most historic race, the Queen's Plate, has represented the best in horseracing. It is one of Canada's most exclusive and beloved annual sporting events that is proudly steeped in royal tradition and grandeur."

During her 70-year reign, the Queen visited Kentucky, attending the launch of the race named in her honour at Keeneland in 1984 and returning 23 years later to watch the Kentucky Derby at Louisville. She also travelled over to look at horses for her breeding interests.

Keeneland president and chief executive Shannon Arvin said: “Keeneland joins the world in mourning the loss of Queen Elizabeth II, a beloved leader with exceptional integrity and an unmatched horsewoman.

"Queen Elizabeth's lifelong love for horses and her passion for racing left an indelible legacy on the sport around the world and at Keeneland.

"The Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup will be even more special this autumn as we honour her memory and celebrate Her Majesty the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. Keeneland extends its deepest condolences to her family and her country."

The Queen was also highly popular in Australia and during the years has presented many trophies to connections of overseas winners of the Platinum Jubilee Stakes, under its various names, at Royal Ascot.

When Black Caviar won in 2013, the Queen approached and patted the superstar mare in what is considered a particularly memorable moment in the horse's great history.

Her trainer Peter Moody told a local radio station: "She was a lady who loved her horses and particularly had a great fondness for the sport of racing. It was very special we were able to showcase Black Caviar at her racetrack in the year of the Golden Jubilee; it's something I'll never forget."

Australian Turf Club chairman Peter McGauran added: "We join with people in racing and around the world in honouring and thanking Her Majesty for her unfailing service and remarkable life.

"The Australian Turf Club, and in particular Royal Randwick, is inextricably linked with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and her love of the thoroughbred and racing."