Queen Camilla has accepted the invitation to become Patron of the National Horseracing Museum in Newmarket, following in the footsteps of her late mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth II. The announcement has been made to mark the first anniversary of Their Majesties’ Coronation.
To celebrate, Discover Newmarket has launched a new Royal Yard Tour which visits Clarehaven Stables, where His Majesty King Charles and Her Majesty Queen Camilla have horses in training.
“Queen Elizabeth II opened the National Horseracing Museum in November 2016 and was a wonderful supporter during her reign, visiting Newmarket on multiple occasions,” said the Hon Frances Stanley, chairman of the museum’s board of trustees.
“It is with absolute delight that the National Horseracing Museum received this latest news from Buckingham Palace. HM The Queen, being a talented horsewoman, has shown great enthusiasm for equestrian sports over many years. We have had the honour of welcoming her to the museum, most recently in June 2023.”
The National Horseracing Museum, including Palace House, the King’s Yard and Trainer’s House, is part of a five-acre site that tells the story of horseracing, from its earliest origins to today, and showcases the retraining of racehorses. Using the latest interactive displays, the museum examines the physical attributes of the racehorse and the importance of thoroughbred pedigrees.
Exhibits include works of art, contemporary sculptures, architecture, through to equine science, bronzes and artefacts, and some of the world’s most famous racing trophies.
On Monday 22 July 2024 members of the public are invited to join a Royal Yard Tour with royal trainers John and Thady Gosden. Visitors will go behind the scenes at the yard where HM King Charles and Her Majesty Queen Camilla have horses in training. The Gosden partnership have trained 3,500 individual winners and over 200 Group 1 winners, including two Derby victories. They were champion trainers of 2023.
Members of the Royal Family also maintain close associations with The Jockey Club. Their Majesties recently announced that they will share patronage of club, formerly represented by the late Queen as Royal Patron for 68 years. The Jockey Club is responsible for 15 of Britain’s best-known racecourses and also runs The National Stud in Newmarket and the charity Racing Welfare.
Lead image of Queen Camilla unveiling a picture in Palace House during a visit to the National Horseracing Museum in June 2023
