The going is good

Horse racing is known as the sport of kings but really it should be called the sport of queens. Starting more than 300 years ago, racing in this country has been profoundly influenced by four British queens, along with a supporting cast of duchesses, ladies, millionairesses and a few overseas princesses. Today, this female aristocracy of racing has been joined by a meritocracy of women at the very top of the sport, both as jockeys and trainers, and, equally importantly, as executives, broadcasters and power brokers.

In 1711, Queen Anne, who kept a large string of racehorses, was out riding on the heath at East Cote not far from Windsor Castle. She declared: “This would be a very good place for horses to gallop at full stretch.” Queen Anne’s wish was racing’s command and so Her Majesty’s Plate, worth 100 guineas (about £20,000 today) and open to any horse, mare or gelding, over the age of six, was contested at what soon became known as Ascot. Today, Ascot Racecourse is owned by HM The Queen, who hosts