The New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (NZTBA) is deeply saddened at the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The Queen was a passionate and enthusiastic horse breeder for over 70 years and has been the patron of the NZTBA since 1990. The NZTBA is the only horse-related organisation outside the United Kingdom patronised by the Queen and she maintained a close interest and relationship with the Association over those years.
On her many visits to New Zealand, Her Majesty would always incorporate at least one race meeting and was a regular visitor to Cambridge Stud and other farms throughout the country.
The Queen inherited her love of horses from her grandfather King George V and went on to be the British Champion Owner twice and raced the winner of every classic race in the United Kingdom except the Epsom Derby.
In 2021 she received the highest accolade in British Horse Racing when she was inducted into the British Racing Hall of Fame.
The NZTBA sends its condolences to the Royal Family and all those affected by the Queen’s passing.
