Newbury Racecourse to mark the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Newbury Racecourse is to mark the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with a two minute silence before racing on Friday and Saturday at the track where she was a frequent visitor.

Both as a Princess alongside the Queen Mother and as Queen, she would spend many enjoyable days at the Berkshire course where her horses won a total of 77 winners in the Royal colours, 75 of them on the Flat.

Her Majesty would attend the Spring Meeting in a private capacity, dates which remained unchanged in her diary for decades and she would spend her time looking at the horses in the parade ring, her love of the sport and the horse so evident to all.

It was Doutelle winning the John Porter Stakes on April 17, 1958 who provided Her Majesty with her very first winner at the racecourse. The same year she won the inaugural running of the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes with Pall Mall. He won consecutive editions of the race and was arguably the best colt to ever carry The Queen’s colours, going on to become a very successful stallion.

On April 17 1970, Charlton, named in honour of the 1966 England World Cup winning brothers, Bobby and Jack Charlton, didn’t let the side down when starting his three-year-old season at Newbury by landing the Spring Maiden by four lengths in the Royal colours. He developed into a smart performer, winning on four more occasions including the Henry II Stakes at Sandown.

It was the day after Her Majesty’s 91^st birthday in 2017 when Call To Mind stormed to victory on his debut and provided Her Majesty with an extra reason to celebrate. She was so clearly delighted with the success of a colt who went on to become a smart stayer, winning the March Stakes at Goodwood.

Chairman of Newbury Racecourse, Dominic Burke reflected on her many visits to Newbury: “Throughout her life, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was a loyal figurehead for British Horseracing and we are honoured to have so many memories of her here at the racecourse. I can express the deep gratitude of myself and all at Newbury for her unwavering support for, and appreciation of, British racing over many decades. Our heartfelt condolences to His Majesty The King and the Royal family.

To mark the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, a two-minute silence will be held approximately 20 minutes prior to the first race on both Friday 16 & Saturday 17 September, followed by the National Anthem which will be sung by Wantage-based trainer Heather Main on Saturday 17 September. Jockeys will wear black armbands as mark of respect.

Racegoers are invited to leave tributes for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at a designated area and there will be a book of condolence for those who wish to sign it.