Ted Bassett, former chairman and president of Keeneland Association, holds cherished memories of the day Queen Elizabeth II graced the Lexington track.
Queen Elizabeth II died Sept. 8 and her funeral was Sept. 19. The day of her visit to Keeneland was Oct. 11, 1984, and was the occasion of the first running of the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (now G1T).
Her Majesty not only visited the track but also brought and presented the race trophy, which she had chosen to provide rather than ask Keeneland to produce it. Crafted by Asprey in London, the trophy is a lidded, Sterling silver loving cup of Georgian design. The Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup, now presented by Dixiana, has been renewed annually since that day, and each year the winner's name is engraved in the body of the trophy.
While the first edition of the race was conducted for 3-year-old fillies at 1 1/16 miles on the main track, the event has become one of America's most important races for 3-year-old fillies on grass. The original purse was $100,000 and has grown to $500,000. Bassett gives credit to the late David Hedges for the initial suggestion to invite the Queen to Keeneland. The Englishman Hedges was Keeneland's representative in Europe at the time.
Highlights from the experience of meeting and escorting Queen Elizabeth II bring a ready smile to Bassett:
- "I remember going down in front of the clubhouse to meet her the first time. We had been schooled to wait until she extends her hand to you before you extend yours. I recall how shaky I was, but in the first several minutes she put you at ease."
- "Her humanity immediately came out. She started commenting about the beauty and history of Keeneland, and she loved looking beyond the track infield to the open Bluegrass country."
- "She asked intelligent questions, and her interest helped make you comfortable."
- "The welcome she received from the crowd was very meaningful. As we walked through the paddock and the grandstand, polite ripples of applause followed. The applause was not raucous, but was respectful recognition."
- "Her Majesty invited Lucy (Mrs. Bassett) and me to Royal Ascot the next summer, and we had lunch with her there. Once you get over a state of awe, you realize she is such a kind, thoughtful person. These were very enjoyable experiences."
- The first edition of the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup was won by Cherry Valley Farm's Sintra, a daughter of Drone—Misty Plum, by Misty Day. She was trained by Steven Penrod, and Keith Allen was aboard. This year's race will be Oct. 15, and Keeneland plans to honor the Queen's memory.
