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From Prince George to King George

Sarah Jenkins Sarah Jenkins

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    • In honour of the naming of Prince George, we take a look at equestrian events in the UK named for his forefathers — King George V and King George VI

    Will Prince George — the future King George VII — be making appearances at Royal Windsor Horse Show? Or will his name come to prefix a highlight of the racing or showjumping calandars? Here’s how his great, great grandfathers left their mark on the equestrian world.

    King George V Gold Cup

    The King George V Gold Cup — a highlight of the international showjumping calendar — takes place at the Royal International Horse Show, Hickstead, on Sunday 4 August 2013.

    Royal International RIHS 1996King George V became patron of the show in 1911, and presented the inaugural trophy.

    David Broome won the cup six times between 1960 and 1991, and both Michael Whitaker and Nick Skelton (pictured right) have taken the title four times each.

    King George VI Chase

    Kauto Star on his way to winning the King George at KemptonThe King George VI Chase is a Grade 1 National Hunt race for horses of four years old and over. Deemed one of the most important races of the season, the King George VI Chase runs at Kempton Park Racecourse each year on Boxing Day.

    Popular past winners include One Man, Best Mate, Desert Orchid and Kauto Star.

    King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes

    King George Day at Ascot (27 July, 2013) is a highlight of the flat racing calendar. The day’s feature race is the Group 1 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes, commemorative of Her Majesty The Queen’s late parents.

    More commonly known as “The King George”, this race is worth 1 million pounds.

    Rewilding ridden by Frankie Dettori at Ascot in the King George

    The King’s Troop

    King's Troop Royal Horse ArtilleryThe King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery was named by King George VI, who insisted — following the advent of mechanised artillery — that a troop of horse artillery was kept for ceremonies of state.

    Royal Windsor Horse Show

    Though not named for King George VI, the monarch was patron of Royal Windsor Horse Show from 1944. Her Majesty The Queen — then Princess Elizabeth — won the Single Private Driving class at the inaugural event with her pony, Hans, while Princess Margaret headed the Wartime Utility Driving Class with the King’s Fell pony, Gipsy.

    Royal Windsor Show Day 3 13.05.11

    Sarah Jenkins
    Sarah Jenkins

    H&H editor-in-chief
    Sarah has more than 20 years experience as an equestrian journalist and editor. She has reported from major championships including the Europeans and the World Equestrian Games. She has co-written books on equestrianism including The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Horses & Ponies. Sarah has ridden since childhood, owned horses and ponies for over 25 years, and worked for and trained with Olympic gold medallist event rider Leslie Law prior to going to university.
    Sarah Jenkins

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