News of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing has been met with utter shock by most people around the world, but even greater sadness for the British, as it has left an entire kingdom in mourning.
Sports are inevitably following suit, as many matches and competitions in different disciplines have been stopped to pay their respects to Britain’s longest-lived monarch and to dedicate their thoughts and prayers to the royal family during these difficult times.
A nation in mourning
Many are joined in the sadness of such terrible news; amongst them stand every last one of the Premier League clubs, all of whom have posted messages communicating their deep sadness as well as thoughts of encouragement for the royal family.
Both the Rugby League and the Rugby Union’s respective chairman Simon Johnson and Dominic McKay have given their condolences on behalf of the entire sporting families they each represent. Likewise, the Lawn Tennis Association chief executive also made a statement paying tribute to the monarch.
British Cycling made an official statement and many remarkable teams and riders also sent out messages communicating their admiration for the Queen.
Moreover, boxers Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua both made brief statements on their social media, and many prominent athletes, such as Mo Farah, paid their respects as well.
A Queens’s passion
Amongst the monarch’s favorite pastimes, a true passion for horses and horse racing was at the top of her list. One can only imagine the hardships and pressure of having to deal with both global and domestic affairs daily, so surely this particular sport provided a bit of respite from the tribulations of the world.
We must necessarily remember that behind the crown lies a person. HM Elizabeth II was a longtime owner and horse breeder and the most famous racehorse under her ownership was certainly Estimate, of whom she has a statue in her holiday home.
However, according to herself, the one she loved the most has to be the Burmese, a Canadian Police Service horse, which she rode for 18 consecutive years, and there is also a statue of the both of them together, a sculpture of the Queen riding the loyal mare placed in Regina, Saskatchewan.
Her latest equine companions in recent years were a sturdy 16-year-old Fern, whom she used to take out on leisure strolls. Certainly, Elizabeth’s passion for horses was even longer than her reign, for it started way back when her father first brought her to the royal stables; without her, the world of Horse racing and equestrian aficionados have truly lost one of its most prominent enthusiasts.
Proof of this all is that horse racing was straight up halted following the news, and that all of the Friday, September 9 racing meetings were canceled.
It can be said without a doubt that the Queen had no regrets, she lived her life in full, doing always what she thought was best for the United Kingdom, and as any truly great leader that has lived on this earth, thinking first and foremost of ensuring that always her people’s happiness as a hole. Our thoughts and prayers lie with her.