Queen Elizabeth II was deeply saddened upon hearing that one of her horses, Space Walk, had to be put down unexpectedly after a racing event in Newbury.
Apparently, the beloved riding companion, which was mounted by jockey Tom Marquand during the race, suddenly showed health issues that led to its euthanasia.
Horses have always been one of the Queen’s personal passions, and her love for them first started when she was just 4-year-old and received a pony, a Shetland mare, as a gift from King George V.
Since then, Her Majesty has kept riding on a regular basis throughout her life, and to this day, she is still dedicated to her hobby despite her advanced age.
In addition to riding, Queen Elizabeth II is also very interested in breeding horses, and she has her own breeding stocks in Sandringham.
The monarch’s love of the animals even earned her the Lifetime Achievement Award issued by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) in 2014 and according to the president of the organization, Princess Haya of Jordan, who said: “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth is a life-long lover of horses who has inspired millions around the world. She is a true horsewoman, who still rides whenever state business allows, and her knowledge of breeding and bloodlines is incredible.”
However, due to the ongoing pandemic crisis, the Queen missed this year’s Royal Ascot, an annual event she has been visiting for the last 68 years.
At the time, the Queen shared a heartbreaking statement about missing the beloved festival of horse racing. She stated: “I send my best wishes to the thousands of racing professionals and enthusiasts who will join me in celebrating this year’s Royal Ascot. In these challenging times, we are once again delighted to welcome the best horses and jockeys from across the world and pay tribute to those who have helped make this race meeting possible. This year Ascot will feel different for many, as it is so often a chance for friends, families, and colleagues to gather together and enjoy a shared passion.”
Her Majesty has always been very passionate about the event, and she was particularly pleased in 2013, when one of her horses, Estimate, won the Gold Cup of the race.
The queen had to change a lot of things in recent months with the COVID-19 pandemic forcing her to give up some celebrations that meant a lot to her.
This development has sparked talks about abdication.
