#equestrianne

7th March 2023

The Princess Royal, with her husband Sir Tim Laurence, visited Sandown Park on Tuesday, March 7, where she presented the trophy to the winners of a race named in memory of her grandmother, The Queen Mother.

The race, called the ‘Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother Memorial Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle‘, is an annual contest held at the Surrey racecourse, with the 2023 edition being won by Mayhem Mia.

The six-year-old mare is trained by Chris Honour in Devon and was ridden to victory by Private Vincent Webster of the Irish Army.

The content is restricted to amateur jockeys who are either serving or retired members of the military.

After Mayhem Mia crossed the winning line in front, Princess Anne presented the trophy to the horse’s delighted connections.

The race, formerly known as the Annington Amateur Riders’ Handicap Hurdle, was renamed in honour of The Queen Mother back in 2015.

Her Late Majesty was one of jump racings biggest champions, and was a regular visitor to Sandown Park until her death in 2002 at the age of 101.

For over three decades, she was Patron of the Grand Military Race Committee, and was a huge supporter of the race that is today held in her honour.

The Queen Mother had well over 400 wins as an owner, including five Grand Military Gold Cups, a race that was also held on Tuesday at Sandown.

After the death of her mother, The Queen took over as Patron of the Grand Military Race Committee, a position she still holds today.