New Zealand and the entirety of its thoroughbred racing and breeding industry mourns the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, reported to the world in the early hours of Friday morning.

Regarded by many as a devoted and warm leader, The Queen was a keen rider who had a lifelong passion for thoroughbreds, which saw her ownership interests spread across the world.

The sovereign of the Commonwealth capably accepted a strong responsibility towards the operation of not only New Zealand’s thoroughbred successes within the nation, but encompassing her duties worldwide.

Queen Elizabeth’s patronage of New Zealand’s thoroughbred industry is an association that has spanned over many decades.

For over 32 years, Her Majesty has been an avid supporter of the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders Association, opening their Ellerslie office during her 1990 visit to New Zealand.

Her dedication also oversaw the county’s racing and breeding engagements throughout her duration in the monarchy.

In 1954, precisely bound hard copies of New Zealand’s National Yearling Sales Series catalogue were presented to Her Majesty, an act that she welcomed with warm regards.

At a later date her Equerry wrote to New Zealand’s thoroughbred auction house at the time.

“The Queen has asked me to thank you for the three catalogues and other pamphlets that you sent.”

“She was most interested in the breeding of the yearlings offered for Sale and has personally kept the catalogues for her future reference.

“Her Majesty has also asked me to thank your staff for their kind message of greetings enclosed with the catalogue.”

New Zealand’s governing racing body (NZTR) also provided Her Majesty with a special edition of every printing of the New Zealand Stud Book throughout her reign.

Sir Peter Vela and his family, New Zealand Bloodstock and Pencarrow Stud would like to acknowledge the tremendous contribution Her Majesty made to New Zealand’s racing and breeding schemes.

Her patronage towards racing has helped shape New Zealand’s thoroughbred prominence, with its continuing success evidenced globally.

In acknowledgement of Her Majesty’s services, a moment’s silence will be observed at 11.30AM (NZT) at both Ruakaka and Hastings racecourses on Saturday 10 September, with jockeys wearing black armbands throughout both meetings as a further mark of respect.

The Commonwealth and beyond mourns the loss of its beloved monarch and her services which will be cherished for generations to come.