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Glamorous racegoers paid tribute to the Queen today as they arrived at Epsom Downs racecourse in Surrey this morning.
The monarch will not attend the Epsom Derby and is expected to watch the major sporting event on television from Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace confirmed last night.
And it appeared the royal was on the minds of many of those elegant attendees of the race today, who dressed to the nines in high heels, flowing summer frocks and elaborate hats.
Many opted to make a nod to the Queen‘s Jubilee celebrations with their outfits, donning red, white and blue and Union flags.
The event is usually attended by the monarch, 96, however she is planning to miss the Epsom Derby today for just the third time of her reign in order to ‘pace herself’ for the ongoing Platinum Jubilee festivities.
Tennis coach and TV personality Judi Murray was among the stars to step out at the event today, beaming in a leopard print ensemble.
Glamorous racegoers paid tribute to the Queen today as they arrived at the Cazoo Derby at Epsom Downs racecourse in Surrey this morning
It appeared the monarch was on the minds of many of those elegant attendees of the race today, who dressed to the nines in high heels, flowing summer frocks and elaborate hats
Did you know how versatile waistcoats could be? Some young men, go dapper (left) whilst others stand out from the crowd (right)
For The Queen: The Queen’s current and former jockeys pose for a picture at todays’ Derby
Who’s excited: The large crowd of excited racegoers mingle amongst themselves whilst waiting for the races to begin
Elaborate headwear was the order of the day for many, with oversized hats and flamboyant fascinators adorned with feathers, flowers and frills spotted in the enclosure.
Many donned frocks in vibrant hues of pinks and reds, while some opted for softer floral floral patterns.
Held at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey, the Derby was first run in 1780.
It is Britain’s richest flat horse race, and the most prestigious of the five Classics – the other four of which are the 2,000 Guineas Stakes, the 1,000 Guineas Stakes, the Epsom Oaks, and the St Leger Stakes.
The Cazoo Derby will be run in memory of Lester Piggott on Saturday. It will be the first time in the 242-year history of the Classic that it has been dedicated to an individual.
Piggott, who died earlier this year aged 86, won the Derby a record nine times.
Other plans to mark his passing include a minute’s applause on Friday and Saturday of the Derby meeting, and a wreath in the colours of Piggott’s 1970 Derby winner Nijinsky to be laid at his statue in front of the Queen Elizabeth II Stand.
Many opted to make a nod to the Queen ‘s Jubilee celebrations with their outfits, donning red, white and blue and Union flags (left) while others wore over-the-top floral ensembles (right)
Technicolour or monochrome? With a huge variety of outfits, some racegoers experiment with both colour and textures, whilst others keep it simple and uniform
Many wonderful outfits: No one in this crowd looks the same as one women is dressed in the Union Flag colours, whilst another lady opts for a full blue look
Hold onto your hats: In a sea of top hats these two women in the crowd are holding onto their intricately designed large pale hats
Bottoms up: Empty Moet bottles in ice buckets surround the crowd’s feet as they swing into spirit
The racing fully underway at Epsom racecourse and the crowd look delighted as they cheer in the crowds
And they’re off: Racegoers wear Union Jack Flag hats as they cheer on the Cazoo Handicap Stakes as they approach the finish line
Elle and the Pocketbelles pose for a photo during the Cazoo Derby Festival in matching dresses and gold heels
Dame Mary Berry looks sophisticated and classic in a white dress, large pearls and stunning navy and cream hat
Dame Mary Berry and Clare Balding join racegoers on Derby Day. Clare has opted for a bright orange, red and pink coat with feathers in the rim of her large straw hat
Carboard cutouts depicting Queen Elizabeth II during two different periods of reign are held up on top of a decorated bus
Racegoers on Derby Day during the Cazoo Derby Festival. These four pose outside under a canopy of white flowers
Selfie time! This couple appeared to be in good spirits as they posed for a snap at the racecourse earlier this morning ahead of the races
A sea of hats! these spectators have chosen their finest headwear to attend today’s event. Luckily these women coordinated and no one turned up in the same colour
Eagerly awaiting for the day to get started. These racegoers show off their stunning floral dresses at the Queen’s stand entrance (left), whilst on the course (right) the crowd is engrossed
Frankie Dettori (left), Charlotte Hawkins (centre) and AP McCoy on Derby Day at Epsom Racecourse
Perfect in Purple: Charlotte Hawkins looks stunning in a deep purple dress (left) and golden rose crown. Whilst Jockeys Frankie Dettori and Oisin Murphy (right) compare muscles
Getting into the spirit of the day! Hoards of revellers donned their finest racing outfits as they arrived in the barmy weather for the day out
Princess Anne arriving at Epsom Racecourse in a cream check patterned coat and dress with matching fascinator
Equestrian legend Zara Tindall attends the event with her husband Mike Tindall. Zara has opted for a royal blue mid length dress with silver clutch and matching shoes
After pulling out of the event today, Her Majesty has been sent a souvenir race card to follow the horse action from home. Representing the Queen in her absence is Anne, Princess Royal, who has arrived at Epsom just before 1pm today
The Princess Royal could be seen laughing, waving and thanking crowds at Epsom Derby Day for making her feel welcome. Pictured with her husband Sir Tim
Princess Alexandra attends the 2022 Cazoo Derby at Epsom Racecourse. She is wearing a delicate white gloves and an embroidered bag
Flying the flag! Another racegoer could be seen carrying a host of Union flags ahead of the event today
Meanwhile several enthusiastic gentlemen opted for a very bold red, blue and white waistcoat
Cardboard cutouts depicting Queen Elizabeth II during two different periods of her reign were seen on the top of a decorated bus, as racegoers prepare for the days events
Tennis coach and TV personality Judi Murray was among the stars to step out at the event today, beaming in a leopard print ensemble
It comes as Buckingham Palace announced the Queen would not attend the event today.
The Queen appeared twice on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch Trooping the Colour and the flypast of 71 aircraft and then travelled back to Windsor Castle to light the first in a chain of more than 3,500 Platinum Jubilee beacons earlier this week.
The Queen has been forced to cancel a string of engagements in recent months and most recently missed the State Opening of Parliament in May. Her son, Prince Charles, and grandson, Prince William, stood in for her.
Yesterday, the Duchess of Cambridge is said to have told an attendee the Queen is ‘fine’ but had found the day ‘very tiring’.
Gill Smallwood, from Bolton spoke with Kate and asked how the Queen was doing.
A race goer takes a photo of The British Army Band Tidworth on Derby Day during the Cazoo Derby Festival 2022 at Epsom Racecourse
The British Army Band Tidworth on Derby Day during the Cazoo Derby Festival 2022 at Epsom Racecourse
Ms Smallwood said of the conversation: ‘She [Kate] said ‘yes, she was fine, it was just very tiring yesterday, and she (the Queen) had had a lovely, lovely time’.’
The Queen – a passionate horse owner and breeder – would have been looking forward to seeing her horse running today during her Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
The only two prior times the Queen has not attended Epsom were in 1956, while visiting Sweden on official duties and in 1984 when she marked the 40th anniversary of the D-Day landings in France.
The Queen has never won the Derby. The closest to success she came was Aureole’s second place in 1953, her coronation year.
Her Majesty’s hopes of winning on Epsom Derby day have already come to an end after her only runner was pulled out of a race.
Just Fine had been entered to feature in the penultimate race, the World Pool Northern Dancer Handicap, staged over the full Derby course and distance of one mile and four furlongs.
However, it was removed at Thursday’s 48-hour declaration stage.
In May, her horse Reach For The Moon, who was among the favourites, and two others were withdrawn.
The Jockey Club announced the three thoroughbreds were among a large number who had been ‘scratched’ from the entry list.
Thoroughbreds owned by the Queen have won four out of the five flat racing classics – the 1,000 Guineas and 2,000 Guineas, the Oaks and the St Leger – with only the Derby eluding her.
Phil White, London regional director for The Jockey Club, said today: ‘We would like to wish Her Majesty The Queen a wonderful Platinum Jubilee.
‘It is a rare occasion that the Queen is unable to join us at Epsom Downs but we are delighted she plans to enjoy Derby Day on television.
‘We have big plans to celebrate Her Majesty’s contribution to horseracing and the nation, and these will continue in full tomorrow.
‘The Derby is a unique race and we are looking forward to welcoming people in their thousands to help us create a spectacular carnival atmosphere.’
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