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.
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King 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
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The 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.
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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.
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The King’s Troop
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The 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.
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Sarah has worked at an equestrian journalist and editor since 2004 and has held the position of Horse & Hound Editor-in-Chief since 2014. She has reported for Horse & Hound from major championships including Europeans and World Equestrian Games. She has co-written books on horses and horse sport including The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Horses & Ponies. She has owned and ridden horses since 1993, and worked for and trained with Olympic gold medallist event rider Leslie Law prior to going to university. While studying for a BSc at London School of Economics Sarah also worked for top British dressage rider Louise Spate.
