queen sad racing© Photo: Getty Images

The Queen's greatest wish she never saw fulfilled

Clare Balding explained the Queen's goal

Wellness Editor
September 22, 2022

Queen Elizabeth II had a lifelong passion for horse racing, breeding horses specifically to partake in the sport. Following Her Majesty's death, sports journalist Clare Balding, who has known the Queen her whole life, shared the racing-related wish Her Majesty never saw come to fruition.

READ: The sweet reason Queen Elizabeth II loved horses so much

Speaking to Waitrose Weekend, Claire said: "Racing is an unpredictable sport, but Her Majesty loved the challenge of trying to breed horses that could rival bigger operations in Ireland backed by Middle Eastern Money.

WATCH: The Queen's pony Emma makes emotional appearance

"Since [the Queen's horse] Aureole finished second in The Derby days after her 1953 coronation, Her Majesty's aim was to win the greatest race of all," Clare explained.

READ: Will Queen's beloved Corgis grieve royal mum? Dog expert reveals all

SEE: The Queen's Corgis Muick and Sandy arrive at Windsor Castle on day of Queen's funeral

"That never came to pass, but she won all the other British Classics with home-bred horses."

So strong was Queen Elizabeth's love of horses, Clare shared that Her Majesty had a camera installed in the foaling boxes at Sandringham so she could watch them being born on her iPad, or get down to the stable in time to be there in person.

© Photo: Getty Images

Her Majesty always loved horses

Speaking on the BBC during the Queen's final journey from Northolt to Buckingham Palace, Clare gave further insight into the Queen's love of racing, saying: "Racing was the passion she shared with the public. The Queen loved to go to the stables to see horses on gallops in the morning and talk to all the grooms.

SEE: The Queen's beloved horse Emma makes surprise appearance at Windsor service

"Racing was such a wonderful thing for her to be able to enjoy, she liked the attention to be on others and that was the case at the races," Clare said.

© Photo: Getty Images

Her Majesty was a talented horse breeder

Her Majesty's love for horses extended to Highland and fell ponies in Balmoral, as well as her racehorses, according to Clare, who said that Queen loved to talk about animal behaviour.

Make sure you never miss a ROYAL story! Sign up to our newsletter to get all of our celebrity and royal news delivered directly to your inbox.

Transform your routine with expert advice from our beauty and wellness team

Email Address

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please click here.

More Health & Fitness

See more