King Charles III and Queen Camilla will succeed Queen Elizabeth II as joint Patrons of the Jockey Club, it was announced. The late Queen had held the position for 68 years, from 1954 until her death in 2022.
The owner-breeders are already both Honorary Members of The Jockey Club, with the King having been appointed in 1980. A keen equestrian, he has ridden in races as an amateur as well as being a success polo player.
The Queen joined her husband as an Honorary Member of The Jockey Club in 2015 and she has also been Patron of The National Stud – the breeding operation of The Jockey Club – since November 2018.
Their Majesties enjoyed their first Royal Ascot winner last season when the William Haggas-trained Desert Hero (GB) won the King George V S. and went on to finish third in the St Leger. They also have horses in training with Ralph Beckett, Andrew Balding, Sir Michael Stoute, Richard Hughes and John and Thady Gosden.
Announcing the news, the Jockey Club's Senior Steward Sandy Dudgeon said, “We are honoured that Their Majesties have accepted our invitation to become joint Patrons of The Jockey Club.
“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.”
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