A special addition to the Tattersalls December Sale will come under the hammer on Monday when a maquette of Her Late Majesty the Queen is auctioned for charity prior to the first of the two Sceptre Sessions.
The maquette is a study for the life-size bronze close to the Rowley Mile Racecourse in Newmarket which depicts the Queen, who was the long-term patron of the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association, with a mare and a foal. The bronze of the Queen is by Etienne Milner and the two horses by Charlie Langton.
All proceeds raised by the sale of the maquette will go to the National Horseracing Museum in Newmarket.
Thoroughbred Breeders' Association Chairman Julian Richmond-Watson led a tribute to Her Majesty, the late Queen Elizabeth II, prior to the start of the TBA's 105th Annual General Meeting at Sandown on Wednesday, Sept. 14.
Richmond-Watson said of the long-time Patron of the TBA, “Her Majesty was the most ardent supporter of Thoroughbred breeding and racing, and we were most fortunate to have such a patron for such a long period of time.
“Her knowledge and interest ensured the Royal Studs enjoyed considerable success throughout her lifetime, and this along with her outstanding contribution to the industry was acknowledged in 2014 with the presentation of the TBA's Andrew Devonshire award.
“The breeder of numerous winners, including five Classic victories, The Queen continually looked to improve the breed and as an owner had the finest year numerically in 2021 in terms of winners on the track, where she was honoured with the TBA Silver Salver.
“On behalf of the entire thoroughbred breeding community we send our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family at this difficult time. The nation has lost a most treasured monarch and our sport its most respected, admired and loyal Patron.”
There was also a two-minute silence observed, then a pared back AGM took place. After the minutes of the previous AGM were approved, there was a re-election of the auditors, a confirmation of membership fees for 2023 and the appointment of trustees. Jessica Westwood was appointed as a new TBA trustee, while Anita Wigan was appointed as a board member for a second term.
TBA Trustee Jessica Westwood said, “The TBA is very important to me, it supports my industry and my future, as well as that of my clients, and I hope that by joining the board of trustees I can help encourage the next generation of breeders.”
TBA Trustees also updated members on activities in key areas such as the Thoroughbred Industry Brexit Steering Group, equine health and welfare, education and training, and the Great British Bonus scheme.
Richmond-Watson added, “We are at a crossroads in British racing and breeding and unless we act now the gradual decline we are currently seeing will accelerate and we will lose our pre-eminent position in the racing world and with that the interest from the general public and overseas investors.”
For the TBA's Annual Report and for more information on the AGM, please visit the TBA's website.
Her Majesty The Queen has become the first entry into the QIPCO British Champions Series Hall of Fame within the Special Contributor category for her “unwavering commitment and longstanding patronage of the sport”.
From celebrating her first winner in 1949, the Queen has been a consistent presencein racing as an owner/breeder through eight decades, as well as acting as an unofficial figurehead for the sport in Britain, particularly though its globally recognised flagship Flat meeting, Royal Ascot.
“I suspect that The Queen will have a lot of inner pride in being invited into the Hall of Fame,” said Her Majesty's bloodstock and racing advisor John Warren. “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.”
He added, “Her Majesty's fascination is unwavering and her pleasure derives from all of her horses–always accepting the outcome of their ability so gracefully.”
Sir Francis Brooke, The Queen's Representative at Ascot Racecourse, said, “The inclusion of The Queen within the Hall of Fame recognises her unique contribution to the world of racing, not only as an enthusiast, but also as a successful owner and breeder and as its most important patron.”
The Queen has been represented by more than 1,800 winners, including the Classic winners Carrozza (GB), Highclere (GB), Pall Mall (GB) and Dunfermline (GB). She has twice been Champion Flat Owner in Britain, in 1954 and 1957. In 2022, The Queen will become the first monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, with the Derby at Epsom set to form part of the official celebration of her historic 70-year reign.
Sir Michael Stoute, the 10-time champion trainer whose many successes for The Queen include training her Gold Cup winner Estimate (Ire), 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 that 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.”
Recalling Estimate's famous Royal Ascot victory, Ryan Moore, who has ridden 71 winners for The Queen, added, “The thing I remember most about that day is the cheering. I probably hadn't ever received a reception like that at the Royal Meeting, or any time before really. It was different on that day–you can see with The Queen how much it means to her; the way she smiles when she's looking at her horses, the enjoyment she was getting out of that. People want to see her do well and winning the Gold Cup, it's hard to top that. It was such a special day.”
