Her Royal Highness The Duchess Of Cornwall visited Rowley Mile Racecourse, as part of an official visit to Newmarket. During her visit, she unveiled a specially commissioned statue of King Charles II.
(L-R) Sheikh Fahad Al Thani, winning Jockey of the 2016 Newmarket Town Plate, Her Royal Highness The Duchess Of Cornwall, Julian Richmond-Watson, Chairman of Newmarket Racecourses and Justin Wadham
Picture credit: Newmarket Racecourses/John Hoy
Known as a keen horseman, King Charles II was pivotal to the establishment and evolution of Newmarket as the Home of Horseracing, and this specially commissioned statue was created to mark and honour his contribution to the Sport of Kings. 200 guests, from the local community and racing fraternity were there to watch Her Royal Highness unveiling the King Charles II statue. The ceremony also included two Mounted Dutymen from the Household Cavalry, as well as a fanfare from two trumpeters of the Regiment. Their presence was again to honour King Charles II, who actually founded the Household Cavalry in 1660.
“We are very honoured to have welcomed Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall to Newmarket Racecourses for the unveiling of the King Charles II statue in his new, and rather apt, permanent home,” said Amy Starkey, Regional Director, Jockey Club Racecourses East Region. “Newmarket is so lucky to have such a rich history and heritage and it’s fantastic to be able to share and celebrate this with Her Royal Highness on this special occasion.”
