The Jockey Club is delighted to announce the appointment of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen as its joint Patrons.
Both Their Majesties are Honorary Members of The Jockey Club and succeed The late Queen Elizabeth II, who was Patron of the organisation for 68 years, from 1954 until her death in September 2022.
The King, who was appointed as an Honorary Member of The Jockey Club in 1980, has a longstanding interest in equestrian sports, having been an amateur jockey and a keen polo player.
The Queen, who was appointed as an Honorary Member of The Jockey Club in 2015, is a long-time supporter of equestrian sports and works with a number of organisations that help to promote racing education and welfare. She has also been Patron of The National Stud – the breeding operation of The Jockey Club – since November 2018.
Their Majesties have continued The late Queen Elizabeth II’s passion for racehorse ownership and breeding, enjoying their first Royal Ascot winner when Desert Hero won the King George V Stakes on June 22nd last year.
Sandy Dudgeon, Senior Steward of The Jockey Club, 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.”
