Newmarket Royal Visit Marked With Launch of Jockey Club Scholarship

[Wandering Eyes]

King Charles III and Queen Camilla were in Newmarket on Tuesday, beginning their first official tour of British horseracing's headquarters with a visit to the National Stud and a meet-and-greet with the four resident stallions.

Their Majesties, both owner-breeders, are honorary members of the Jockey Club and became joint-patrons in 2024, while the Queen is patron of the National Stud, its breeding and education arm, as well as the National Horseracing Museum.

The King and Queen were received by the Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Julie Spence, and introduced to the stud's chairman, Lord Grimthorpe, and CEO, Anna Kerr, before meeting other members of the team and board, as well as representatives from a number of racing charities and trusts. After a stallion parade, two trees were planted and a plaque was unveiled to mark the visit.

A walkabout on Newmarket's High Street followed, along with a tour of the Jockey Club Rooms, which is home to one of the finest collections of equine art and historical artefacts presented by members over the years.

Baroness Dido Harding, senior steward of the Jockey Club, greeted Their Majesties on arrival, before escorting them to the Committee Room to meet representatives from the National Horseracing Museum, British Sporting Art Trust and Newmarket Community Foundation.

Coinciding with the royal visit, the Jockey Club announced the launch of its Patrons Scholarship, which is to be delivered in partnership by The National Stud and the British Racing School. The new initiative will provide access to careers in racing to those from diverse ethnic communities, working with organisations such as The Ebony Horse Club in Brixton, London.

Two students will be selected each year for the next three years from the diversity recruitment pathway and trained at the National Stud and the British Racing School.

“It was a great honour to welcome The King and Queen to Newmarket today. Their Majesties became the Jockey Club's joint Patrons last year and it has been our privilege to introduce them to those working in and supporting our sport right in the heartland of British racing,” said Baroness Harding.

“As racehorse owners and breeders Their Majesties are already extremely knowledgeable about the industry and today provided an opportunity to celebrate its success and pay tribute to its extensive heritage, while also demonstrating the role the Jockey Club and our industry plays in the town of Newmarket and the local community.

“Looking to the future, the launch of the Jockey Club Patrons Scholarship provides a lasting legacy from today's visit and offers a fantastic opportunity to those from diverse ethnic backgrounds who may not otherwise have considered a career in the horseracing industry.”

Anna Kerr added, “The National Stud was officially opened by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1967 and it is such a significant moment in our history to welcome Their Majesties here 58 years later.

“Our business activity is connected to all within the Thoroughbred industry – from breeders and trainers to third party providers and the industry's colleagues of the future, our students.

“It has been truly wonderful to celebrate that community with our royal patrons today and to see how Their Majesties share our own passion for a thriving Thoroughbred industry for generations to come.”

 

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