Racing – the Queen’s favourite sport – gets back underway with nine-race card at Doncaster

Racing – the Queen’s favourite sport – gets back underway as they hold a two-minute silence and sing God save the King ahead of St Leger at Doncaster

  • Racing was postponed across the country on Friday and Saturday in respect
  • Gets back underway on Sunday with a full card at Doncaster and Chepstow
  • National anthem and two minute silence expected in tribute to the Queen 

Racing has got back underway after being postponed on Friday and Saturday following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday. 

With full cards postponed across the country, fans flocked back to Chepstow and Doncaster in droves to pay tribute to the Queen ahead of an exciting day’s racing. 

The St Leger is the pick of a nine-race card at Doncaster after being put back 24 hours from its usual Saturday slot. 

Frankie Dettori was one of those who observed a two-minute silence in honour of the Queen who passed away on Thursday

Her Majesty was notable for her passion for the sport, owing and breeding hundreds of horses over her storied life and involvement in the sport. 

Racing observed a period of two days mourning and will once again observe a day of mourning next Monday, the day of her funeral. 

Owners, jockeys, trainers and punters all stood in silence for a two-minute period of observance following the Queen’s passing on Thursday. 

Statue of Double Trigger is covered with the royal racing colours at Doncaster on Sunday

Statue of Double Trigger is covered with the royal racing colours at Doncaster on Sunday

In a special film shown at Doncaster prior to the two-minute silence, Brough Scott presented a special film dedicated to the Queen’s life in racing. He called the race course her ‘public competition’. 

The Queen won four of the five British Classics, with Carrozza claiming the Oaks in 1957, Pall Mall the 2,000 Guineas in 1958, Highclere, thought to be her finest horse, winning the 1,000 Guineas in 1974 and Dunfermline winning the Oaks and St Leger in the same 1977 summer.

Following the two-minute silence, Ella Jay led the crowd in the sport’s first rendition of God Save the King following the accession of King Charles III to the throne. 

More follows.  

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