JOHN WARREN TELLS TODAY ABOUT YESTERDAY

John Warren, The Queen's racing and bloodstock advisor, was interviewed on BBC Radio 4's Today programme following Estimate's historic victory for Her Majesty in the Gold Cup.

He said: "It was tremendous, absolutely wonderful.

"To win a Gold Cup was marvellous - the excitement was for all to see. It was a tremendous moment, particularly at the end of two and a half miles.

"The anticipation was built up due to the fact that a journalist discovered that no reigning monarch had won the Gold Cup. That rather built the tension up.

"It put excitement into the build-up. Although Estimate started favourite, we didn't really think she could beat the colts yesterday. So it was a tremendous performance by her to do so.

"It (racing and breeding) has been her life-long passion. It is such a long journey involved - going through all the hoops from deciding the mating to a live foal being born and to having the horse trained so beautifully. Then there are the ground conditions, judging the distance (to race over) and many other aspects.

"When it ends up with a result like this, it is effectively the end of an amazing journey. It could not be understated the depth of knowledge that The Queen has and interest. Thankfully, it is a wonderful release for her to be able to have an alternative thing to think about. It is her tremendous passion. It is wonderful for British racing that The Queen embraces it wholeheartedly."

He was asked would The Queen reduce the time spent on her racing interests if and when she cuts back on her official duties?

Warren replied: "No, probably the opposite. I hope that The Queen might be able to find a little more time to spend with her horses. She has so many commitments that the time she spends with her horses is so precious - hence yesterday was a rare event with The Queen able to enjoy going racing.

"Racing goes through its ups and downs and there are always stories that pass in the night. Actually to see any wonderful horse and any committed owner have any success like this was tremendous.

"So it was a wonderful day for British racing. We do have the best stallions in the world and the best racing in the world. Owners from all over the world come and participate  which we are all so grateful for."