The Grand National is one of the most iconic horse racing events in the world. It is watched by millions of people around the globe and it is a key event in the Queen’s calendar. But does the Queen have any horses running in the Grand National? To answer this question, we must look at the history of the Queen and her involvement with horse racing, as well as the traditions of the Grand National itself.
The Queen’s History With Horse Racing
The Queen has a long history with horse racing and is an avid fan of the sport. She is a regular attendee at Royal Ascot, one of the most prestigious horse racing events in the world. The Queen has had a successful career as an owner and breeder of horses, with many of her horses winning the prestigious Ascot Gold Cup. Her horses have also won a number of other major races, including the Epsom Derby, the St Leger Stakes, and the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.
The Queen’s Horses in the Grand National
The Queen has had a number of horses run in the Grand National over the years. The most successful of these was Aldaniti, who won the 1981 Grand National under the jockey Bob Champion. The Queen also owned two other horses that ran in the Grand National, Night Nurse and Devon Air. Neither horse was successful, but they are a testament to the Queen’s commitment to the sport of horse racing.
The Grand National Traditions
The Grand National is steeped in tradition and the rules of the race have remained largely unchanged since its inception in 1836. The rules state that all horses must be owned by private individuals or syndicates and must be registered with the British Horseracing Authority. This means that the Queen is not eligible to enter horses into the race.
The Queen’s Involvement in the Grand National
Although the Queen is not able to enter horses into the Grand National, she is still closely involved with the event. Every year, the Queen attends the Grand National at Aintree Racecourse and presents the winner’s trophy. She also presents rosettes to the first, second and third placed horses, as well as a trophy to the winning jockey.
The Queen’s Financial Involvement in Horse Racing
The Queen is not only involved in horse racing as an attendee, but she also invests a significant amount of money into the sport. The Royal Studs, which are managed by the Queen, fund a number of races each year, including the Ascot Gold Cup. The Queen also sponsors a number of races throughout the year, including the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes and the King George VI Chase.
The Queen’s Horse Racing Legacy
The Queen’s involvement in horse racing is not only limited to her attendance at major events and her financial investments. She has also made a lasting impact on the sport by breeding some of the greatest horses in the world. Her horses have won numerous races, including the Epsom Derby, the St Leger Stakes, and the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.
The Queen’s Horses in the 2020 Grand National
Despite the Queen’s long history with horse racing, she does not have any horses running in the 2020 Grand National. This is due to the rules of the race, which states that all horses must be owned by private individuals or syndicates and must be registered with the British Horseracing Authority.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Queen does not have any horses running in the Grand National in 2020. Despite her long history with horse racing and her financial investments in the sport, she is unable to enter horses into the race due to the rules of the race. However, she is still closely involved with the event and presents a trophy to the winning jockey every year.
FAQs
Does the Queen have any horses in the Grand National?
No, the Queen does not have any horses running in the Grand National in 2020.
Has the Queen ever had horses running in the Grand National?
Yes, the Queen has had horses running in the Grand National in the past. The most successful of these was Aldaniti, who won the 1981 Grand National under the jockey Bob Champion.
What is the Queen’s involvement in the Grand National?
The Queen attends the Grand National every year and presents the winning jockey with a trophy. She also sponsors a number of races throughout the year, including the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes and the King George VI Chase.
Does the Queen breed horses?
Yes, the Queen is an avid breeder of horses and her horses have won a number of prestigious races, including the Epsom Derby, the St Leger Stakes, and the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.