Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Queen’s horse entered for race on Epsom Derby day

Thoroughbreds owned by the Queen have won four out of the five flat racing classics.

Tony Jones
Monday 30 May 2022 19:27 BST
The Queen is no longer planning to attend the sporting event (Joe Giddens/PA)
The Queen is no longer planning to attend the sporting event (Joe Giddens/PA) (PA Wire)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The Queen may not have a runner in the Epsom Derby but she now has a horse to cheer on the day after one of her thoroughbreds was entered into a race.

Just Fine will feature in the penultimate race on Saturday and comes after three of the Queen’s horses were withdrawn from the Derby.

The Queen is no longer planning to attend the sporting event during her Platinum Jubilee weekend according to reports, as the 96-year-old monarch is said to want to pace herself during her milestone celebrations.

Her hopes of winning the Derby during her Platinum Jubilee year ended earlier in May when her horse Reach For The Moon, who was among the favourites, and two others were withdrawn.

The head of state is a passionate horse owner and breeder, and would have been looking forward to seeing her horses take on the best in the world in the famous classic.

Thoroughbreds owned by the Queen have won four out of the five flat racing classics – the 1,000 Guineas and 2,000 Guineas, the Oaks and the St Leger – with only the Derby eluding her.

Reach For The Moon was returning from injury but John Gosden, the horse’s joint trainer, said the Derby had come too soon for the thoroughbred, the Racing Post reported.

The Queen’s horse Just Fine has been entered into the World Pool Northern Dancer Handicap, staged over the full Derby course and distance of one mile and four furlongs.

A final decision on whether it will run will be taken on Thursday, which is the 48-hour “declaration stage” for the race.

Hayley Turner, one of the Queen’s regular jockeys, told thejockeyclub.co.uk: “I know she’ll always watch the race. I ride for Andrew Balding and he’ll always say, ‘She’ll be watching!’

“If she’s there in person she comes to the paddock before the race and she doesn’t come back unless the horse has won. The trainer will give her the feedback.”

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in