Racing in the UK suspended following the death of Queen Elizabeth II

The British Horseracing Authority have announced the meetings scheduled for Friday – including the third day of the St Leger meeting at Doncaster – are cancelled.

An announcement will be made on Friday regarding plans for Saturday, where the Leger at Doncaster is the showpiece event as the final British Classic of the season. Further details on plans throughout the period of mourning leading up to the Queen’s funeral are expected in due course.

The Queen’s final runner, Improvise, trained by Michael Bell and ridden by Benoit De La Sayette, was beaten a short head by Mount Kosciuszko in the Quick Ride by Quickslide Handicap over an extended mile at Epsom on Thursday.

The BHA said in a statement: “All of British Racing is in mourning today following the passing of Her Majesty The Queen.

“Her Majesty has been one of the greatest and most influential supporters in the history of horse racing. Her passion for racing and the racehorse shone brightly throughout her life, not only through her close involvement in breeding and racing horses, but in her roles as a patron of The Jockey Club and Thoroughbred Breeders Association, and as the figurehead of Royal Ascot.

“From her first-ever winner Monaveen, through stars such as Carrozza and Highclere, to the unforgettable Estimate, Her Majesty The Queen has helped to shape the breed and contributed to moments on the track that will go down in sporting folklore.

“It is right, therefore, that all racing is suspended for today and tomorrow as we begin to grieve Her Majesty’s passing and remember her extraordinary life and contribution to our sport and our nation.”

Privileged

Ascot, the track most deeply connected with the Queen, paid tribute to one of racing’s “greatest supporters”.

The Berkshire venue is famed for its Royal meeting and procession from nearby Windsor Castle, with the Queen having enjoyed many high-profile victories at the track, not least when Estimate won the Gold Cup in 2013.

Sir Francis Brooke, Her Majesty’s representative at the track, said: “The nation mourns the loss of a much loved and respected monarch. The world of racing has lost one of its greatest supporters.

“We at Ascot are privileged to have so many memories of Her Majesty The Queen at this her racecourse, including some wonderful victories in the royal colours.

“We offer our deepest sympathies to His Majesty The King and the whole Royal Family.”

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