Queen to miss Derby at Epsom as she paces herself for Platinum Jubilee celebrations

By Sporting Life

Horse Racing

Sun May 29, 2022 · 3y ago

The Queen is no longer planning to attend the Cazoo Derby at Epsom during her Platinum Jubilee weekend.

The 96-year-old monarch is said to want to pace herself during her milestone celebrations, with her daughter the Princess Royal representing her at the racecourse instead, The Sunday Times reported.

The Derby on Saturday June 4 was to be a personal highlight for the Queen during the four days of Jubilee festivities. Hopes had been high the Queen would have a runner in the Derby, but her classy colt Reach For The Moon was not ready in time after a setback.

He is, however, expected to have a leading chance at Royal Ascot.

The head of state, a passionate horse owner and breeder, was due to be greeted on the course with a special guard of honour including up to 40 of her past and present jockeys.

But the newspaper revealed the monarch is now “increasingly unlikely” to head to Epsom.

Buckingham Palace declined to comment, saying the Queen’s attendance at events would not be confirmed until closer to the time.

The nation’s longest reigning monarch, who is on a pre-Jubilee break resting in Balmoral, Scotland, has been facing episodic mobility problems in recent months.

This led her to miss a number of major events this year, including the State Opening of Parliament.

She is, however, expected to delight the crowds with a double appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony – at the start of the celebrations after Trooping the Colour on Thursday, and after the Pageant parade finale on Sunday.

The monarch is also hoping to be able attend the service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral on Friday, with her wider family including, it is expected, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the Duke of York.

Epsom planning to honour Lester Piggott

Epsom’s executive are planning to commemorate Lester Piggott at the two-day Cazoo Derby meeting.

Piggott, one of the most decorated and celebrated jockeys of all time and nine-times winner of the Derby, died peacefully in Switzerland on Sunday morning at the age of 86.

Having held a meeting to discuss how to honour the jockey, Epsom Downs officials will announce their plans over the next 48 hours.

Phil White, the Jockey Club’s London Regional Director, issued a statement which read: “Everyone at Epsom Downs is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Lester Piggott.

“To win nine Derbys and six renewals of the Oaks over a career which spanned five decades is an extraordinary achievement which may never be surpassed.

“As we build up to this year’s race we will ensure that his passing is recognised in an appropriate way over the duration of the two days.

“The Lester Piggott gates at the entrance to Epsom Downs and his statue which overlooks the winning line will always honour one of our sport’s great champions.”

Julie Harrington, chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority, said in a statement: “For generations of British sports fans, Lester Piggott is synonymous with horse racing. From those who enjoyed the occasional flutter to those who followed racing day in, day out, the question of which horse Lester was riding was always key.

“His achievements in the saddle, and the longevity of his career, are remarkable and it was clear when the statues of Lester were unveiled at racecourses across the country recently that there remains a tremendous public affection for one of the greatest riders to have ever lived.

“The thoughts of everybody at the BHA are with Lester’s family and friends on this sad day, as are our thanks for an unforgettable life and contribution to racing.”