A Royal Shetland Race was held at Windsor Racecourse, in honour of The Queen’s 90th birthday.
Racing Royalty
Her Majesty The Queen is known for her love of horses, racing and native ponies – so we imagine this special race rather appealed.
Six Shetlands charged down the Windsor straight over two and three quarter furlongs, with ‘Dunfermline’ (also known as Torro at home) ridden by Digby Sheperd crossing the line in front.
Unique occasion
The winning jockey was delighted after his victory.
“It was really fun, I loved every moment of the race. My horse Dunfermline is such a good boy and has won loads of races for me – I love him so much. Hopefully I might get to ride in the Royal silks in a proper race one day,” said Digby.
Stuart Dorn, Executive Director of Royal Windsor Racecourse, said: “We are privileged to be the only racecourse in Britain to have Royal in the title, and were delighted we could celebrate The Queen’s 90th birthday in such a way and ahead of the official celebrations later this week.
“Today was a wonderful and unique occasion and congratulations to Dunfermline and Digby Sheperd for winning the race.”
Famous names
All riders wore the distinctive and prestigious Royal jockey silks owned by Her Majesty The Queen. Each of the ponies were temporarily re-named after one of the Queen’s most successful racehorses.
These including Aureole – who finished second in the Epsom Derby the week of The Queen’s Coronation, Carlton House, the pre-Derby favourite who went on to finish third in 2011; Dunfermline, who won the Epsom Oaks and the St Leger in 1977; Highclere, who won the 1977 1000 Guineas, Pall Mall who won the 1958 2000 Guineas and Estimate, who famously won 2013 Gold Cup at Royal Ascot.
Race footage courtesy of At The Races.