The Jockey Club has announced the appointment of His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen as joint Patrons.
Announcing the appointments on 4 May, both their Majesties are Honorary Members of The Jockey Club and succeed the late Queen Elizabeth II, who was Patron of the organisation for 68 years, from 1954 until her death in September 2022 and recognised as ‘horse racing’s greatest and most influential supporter’.
Sandy Dudgeon, Senior Steward of The Jockey Club, said: “We are honoured that Their Majesties have accepted our invitation to become joint Patrons of The Jockey Club.”
Both Their Majesties have a history in the sport, particularly King Charles III, who became an Honorary Member of The Jockey Club in 1980. He holds a passion for equestrian activities, having been an amateur jockey and an avid polo player.
Queen Camilla, appointed as an Honorary Member of The Jockey Club in 2015, has long been a champion of equestrian sports also.
She actively collaborates with various organisations dedicated to advancing racing education and welfare. Additionally, since November 2018, she has served as the Patron of The National Stud, which operates as the breeding arm of The Jockey Club.
Continuing the legacy of the late Queen Elizabeth II, Their Majesties have continued her passion for racehorse ownership and breeding. Their commitment to the sport was notably demonstrated when they celebrated their first Royal Ascot victory on 22 June last year, with Desert Hero winning in the King George V Stakes.
Dudgeon added: “They have shown great enthusiasm and support for equestrian sports over many years and everyone in racing in Britain and overseas was thrilled to see them enjoy success at Royal Ascot last year.
“Their patronage of The Jockey Club is a recognition of horseracing not only as a sport which provides entertainment to millions of people, but one which is also part of the fabric of British life, contributing so much both financially and in broader terms to the local communities in which it operates.”
