Queen Elizabeth loved horses, but the new king seemed to not share the same passion, according to a report. King Charles will uphold what his mother had, but not exactly the way the late Queen did.
King Charles Is Selling His Mother's Best Racehorses
The new monarch is reportedly selling Queen Elizabeth's best-performing racehorses that he inherited after the previous monarch passed away on Sept. 8. About 12 racehorses will be auctioned at Tattersalls Newmarket, Mirror reported.
Among the horses that will be sold is Just Fine — who was trained by Sir Michael Stoute and the first to win for the new king. Love Affairs is also up for sale despite giving the Queen her last victory just two days before she passed away, The Mail on Sunday reported.
Queen Elizabeth had 37 horses in races this year, and a third was given to King Charles. Her Majesty was given her father's breeding and racing stock when she ascended the throne, and it ignited a life-long love for the sport in her. Unfortunately, not for her son.
A royal source said that there were rumors that the Royal Sandringham stud in Norfolk may cease its commercial operation as its breeding operation winds down.
"The Royal stud could be a museum in three years. It would be a real shame," the insider added.
King Charles, who has 60 racehorses and 38 brood mares in Sandringham, is expected to start reducing its number soon. About 30 foals are expected in the new year, and they are also likely to be sold for high prices, just like the Queen's last breed.
King Charles Will Still Continue Queen Elizabeth's Traditions And Connection With Horse Racing
Even if Prince William's father is making changes and reducing the number of horses he inherited from his mother, he has no plans to get rid of all the studs under his later mother's care.
King Charles honors his mother's traditions and will keep them, although not to the same extent.
"The connection between the family and the horse racing industry will continue," a royal source said. "The desire is to continue with the traditions and connections with Royal Ascot but not on the same scale as Her Majesty because she had a passion."
Some horses have reportedly already been sold. It is reportedly part of the "natural churn" that comes with running the collection, including buying and selling off animals. The late Queen usually sold around seven horses a year, so this month's planned sale was a huge increase.
Queen's passion for horses comes with a price from her private purse. However, last year, 36 of her horses were crowned winners, and she earned a whopping £590,000 in prize money.
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