HORSE RACING
What Elizabeth could have said about Queen’s Plate
Although Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip did not make it to Saturday’s L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate, the race was on her husband’s mind, David Mollett reveals
The scene is mid-November 2017. It is the day of the 70th wedding anniversary of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. They are having a celebratory dinner at Buckingham Palace. We put a tape recorder under the table. The Queen: "So, Philip, what a milestone. To think it was as long ago as 1947 that we walked down the aisle. But, as usual, I suppose you’ve forgotten to get me a present." Prince Philip: "That’s where you’re wrong, my dear. Not only have I remembered, but it is to do with your favourite pastime, horse racing." The Queen: "Well, you’ve never really cared for racing — you feel it’s your duty to go to Ascot but I’ve never seen you place a bet, so I’m intrigued." Prince Philip: "I got chatting to our racing manager John Warren and asked him if he had any ideas of a gift for you. He said: ‘Yes, you could go to SA for arguably their most prestigious race — the Queen’s Plate.’ It was first run in 1860 during Queen Vic’s reign and, after all, we are great-great-grandchildren of ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.