The Queen awarded huge honor in recognition of her true passion in life

The Queen's special award recognizes her favorite interest outside of royal duties and brings 'a lot of inner pride'

The Queen, Elizabeth II attends the Out-Sourcing Inc. Royal Windsor Cup polo match and a carriage driving display by the British Driving Society at Guards Polo Club, Smith's Lawn on July 11, 2021 in Egham, England.
(Image credit: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

The Queen has been inducted into the QIPCO British Champions Series Hall of Fame, the official Hall of Fame for British Flat racing. Her majesty is the first entry into the Hall of Fame within the Special Contributor category. 


The Queen is likely to be proud as punch after the revelation that she's been awarded one of the highest accolades in the world of horse racing. Her induction into the hall of fame was decided by an independent panel of industry experts in recognition of her unwavering commitment and longstanding patronage of the sport.

The news comes months after her triumphant return to racing events, where she effortlessly displayed the floral trend at Royal Ascot. Although the pandemic meant that she the Queen missed an iconic racing event, and many other huge events in the racing calendar—her dedication and interest to the sport has never faltered.

Throughout her eight decades, the Queen has consistently demonstrated herself to be a genuine racing enthusiast and a passionate fan—much to the delight of spectators and fans alike. 

Her hands-on involvement within the sport and her history as a successful owner and breeder of horses, based in the Royal Stud in Sandringham, means she's globally recognized for her love of racing. 

Discussing her award, John Warren, Bloodstock and Racing Advisor to the Queen said, "I suspect that The Queen will have a lot of inner pride in being invited into the Hall of Fame." 

"The Queen’s contribution to racing and breeding derives from a lifelong commitment," he added. "Her love of horses and their welfare comes with a deep understanding of what is required to breed, rear, train and ride a thoroughbred."

John concluded, "Her Majesty’s fascination is unwavering and her pleasure derives from all of her horses - always accepting the outcome of their ability so gracefully.”

The Queen’s famous purple, gold braid, and scarlet colors have recorded more than 1,800 winners since her first victory with Monaveen over jumps at Fontwell Park in 1949. She has also twice become Champion Flat Owner in Great Britain, in 1954 and 1957.

PReviously, while discussing her mother-in-law's love for all things equine, Duchess Camilla said, “I think racing is her passion in life. She loves it and you can tell how much she loves it."

"She could tell you about every horse she’s bred and owned from the very beginning," she added. "She doesn’t forget anything. She’s encyclopaedic about her knowledge.”

It appears that the Queen isn't showing any signs of slowing down and has recorded more winners this season than she did in her 1957 season! 

Aoife Hanna
Junior News Editor

Aoife is an Irish journalist and writer with a background in creative writing, comedy, and TV production.

Formerly woman&home's junior news editor and a contributing writer at Bustle, her words can be found in the Metro, Huffpost, Delicious, Imperica and EVOKE.

Her poetry features in the Queer Life, Queer Love anthology.

Outside of work you might bump into her at a garden center, charity shop, yoga studio, lifting heavy weights, or (most likely) supping/eating some sort of delicious drink/meal.