The sport has paid tribute to the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the UK’s oldest monarch, at the age of 96.
Messages poured in from governing bodies and sports figures after news of his death was announced on Thursday.
A minute’s silence was held at Manchester United, Arsenal, West Ham and Hearts European matches.
And in horse racing, the sport most closely associated with Her Majesty, she has been described as her “biggest supporter”.
Horses race
Ascot, the racecourse most closely associated with the Queen, has paid tribute to one of the sport’s great defenders.
The Berkshire venue is famous for its royal gathering and procession from nearby Windsor Castle, with the Queen having won many high profile victories on the track, including when Estimate won the Gold Cup in 2013.
Sir Francis Brooke, Her Majesty’s representative at the track, said: “The nation mourns the loss of a much loved and respected monarch. The racing world has lost one of its greatest supporters.
“We at Ascot are privileged to have so many memories of Her Majesty The Queen, at this racecourse, including wonderful victories in royal colours.”
Nicky Henderson, who trained racehorses for the Queen and Queen Mother, added: “The race has lost its best friend and greatest patron, the country has lost its queen – but she was more than a queen. The country lost someone who was its greatest She was absolutely the greatest.
“She knew horses inside out, so it was always a pleasure to be able to talk and discuss the horses – and lots of other things too. Her loss is immeasurable. It’s an emotional day and I’m very emotional.”
Sir Michael Stoute, Estimate’s trainer, said: “It was an honor and also a great pleasure to train for the Queen as she had tremendous knowledge of the horse.”
And AP McCoy, 20-time champion jumping jockey and knighted in 2016, added: “Your knowledge, your passion, your sense of humour, your charming ease and above all your irreplaceable presence will be missed. RIP Ma’am.”
Soccer
All Premier League clubs have issued individual messages paying tribute to the Queen and the Premier League said it was “deeply saddened” by her death.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with the Royal Family and everyone around the world who mourns the loss of Her Majesty,” the league said.
English Football League chairman Rick Parry added: “On behalf of the league and its clubs, we join the rest of the nation and people around the world in mourning the passing of our Queen, Elizabeth II. .”
England male and female captains Harry Kane and Leah Williamson described the Queen as an “incredible inspiration” and “a light so bright that she gave us hope when there didn’t seem to be any”.
Sports car
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “The Queen was undoubtedly one of the most respected Heads of State to ever live, and I send my condolences, and those of the entire community of the FIA, to the Royal Family and to all citizens of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.
“Motorsport, and in particular Formula 1, has its heart in the UK, and the Royal Family has over the years given great support and patronage to the sport.
“For that we thank them, and these events taking place around the world this weekend will no doubt be undertaken in honor of Her Majesty.”
locust
The England and Wales Cricket Board said it was “deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II”.
ECB President Richard Thompson said: “I’m sure I speak for everyone in the game when I say how truly sad I am to hear of the Queen’s passing. Her Majesty has been such a huge supporter of the game and was always so vocal about her and her late husband’s enjoyment around the sport.
“His devotion to his country will never be forgotten. For his service and selflessness during his extraordinary reign, we owe him a debt that can never be repaid.”
Golf
Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn, captain of the 2018 Ryder Cup-winning European team, said: “Living most of my adult life in England, I am deeply saddened by the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. An inspiration to so many around the world. Peace, Your Majesty.”
US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick tweeted his condolences and fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood added: “Rest in Peace Your Majesty, you will forever be in our hearts.”
Rugby League
Rugby Football League chairman Simon Johnson said the governing body was grateful to the Queen for her support of the game.
“On behalf of the RFL and the entire Rugby League family, I express our deepest and most heartfelt condolences on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The whole sport is in deep mourning at this extremely sad news,” he added in a statement. .
“The Rugby League was honored to have her as patron until 2016, and throughout her long reign, Her Majesty’s sense of duty and commitment, her wit and her wisdom have been an example to us all.
“We are grateful for Her Majesty’s consistent and positive influence on our communities for many generations.
“We send our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family, including the RFL’s Patron, HRH The Duchess of Cambridge. Our clubs and players at all levels will show their respect to Her Majesty wherever the league rugby will be played in the next few days.”
Rugby Union
Dominic McKay, chairman of European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) – which oversees the Heineken Champions Cup and European Challenge Cup competitions – paid tribute on behalf of the organisation.
“It is with great sadness that all of us at EPCR have learned of the passing of HRH Queen Elizabeth II. We stand with our leagues, unions, clubs and beyond to honor Her Majesty and her inspiring life.
“Queen Elizabeth II was a monarch who embodied constancy, dignity and faithful public service and was greatly admired, respected and loved by people around the world.”
England Rugby said: “On behalf of the rugby union community in England, all members of the Rugby Football Union are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II and extend our condolences to all the family. royal right now.”
Scottish Rugby said it was “deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen and offered its condolences to all the Royal Family”, while the Welsh Rugby Union added: “We send rugby’s sincere and heartfelt condolences Welsh to the Royal Family following the death of Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II.
“Our royal patron of over 50 years has graced our national stadium on many occasions. We thank the Queen for her years of service on this deeply sad day.”
Irish Rugby added: “The IRFU expresses its condolences to the Royal Family on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Our condolences go out to our friends at the Home Unions and their supporters.”
Tennis
Lawn Tennis Association chief executive Scott Lloyd said in a statement: “On behalf of the LTA and the tennis community in Britain, I would like to pay tribute to Her Majesty The Queen.
“Her Majesty dedicated her life to public service throughout her 70-year reign. She was universally admired and respected throughout the country and tirelessly supported many charities and organizations.
“She graciously gave of her time to open our own National Tennis Center in Roehampton and meet our UK players in 2007. Her loss will be felt across the country and across the Commonwealth.
“Our sport joins the rest of the country in sending our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family.”
Athletics
Four-time Olympic gold medalist Mo Farah led the athletics tributes, as he wrote: “The Queen was loved all over the world and meant so much to so many.
“Meeting her has been one of the greatest honors of my life. We will remember her for her warmth and devotion to the people of Britain throughout her reign.”
Former Olympic and World 100m champion Linford Christie said: “Thank you for always showing me kindness”, while current British sprinter Adam Gemili added: “I really didn’t think that I would feel so sad. Rest in peace Queen Elizabeth II. Thanks. for everything you’ve done.”
Bike
British Cycling and a number of leading teams and riders also paid tribute, with six-time Olympic champion Chris Hoy writing: “I share the sadness and grief of all Britons and many others around the world who mourn the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”
Hoy, who was knighted in 2009, added: “I have had the pleasure of meeting Her Majesty on several occasions and have always admired her immense dedication and absolute commitment to her role, as well as the generosity and compassion she offered to everyone she met.
“Her Majesty The Queen has dedicated her life to our country, guiding us through so many important historic moments with great leadership.”
Boxing
British heavyweight boxers Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua have released brief statements on their respective social media accounts.
Fury posted a photo with the words, “Thoughts and prayers with my queen tonight, God be with you,” while Joshua simply wrote, “Rest in peace.”