Queen Elizabeth II sporting memories - in pictures

Three-time champion jockey Frankie Dettori has been leading the tributes from the horse racing world following the death of Queen Eilizabeth II.

The Queen had been closely associated with the sport throughout her life and has been described as its “greatest supporter”.

Dettori said racing has “lost its greatest friend”. The monarch’s passion for horse racing brought her five Classics and 24 Royal Ascot winners during 70 years as an owner and a breeder.

“It was undoubtedly one of my career highlights – it was such a great occasion and it was always a privilege to ride for Her Majesty,” Dettori told the PA news agency.

“She was an incredible lady. I have been riding for the Queen for the last 30 years. She was such a special person and she had a great sense of humour.

“Her knowledge of racing was incredible and her dedication to her horses was plain for everyone to see. She loved her horses and loved the breeding side of things, seeing them develop and race, and then breed from them. She knew the families inside out.

Dettori rode more than 50 winners for the Queen. “It was always a special feeling to put on those silks,” he added.

“Though I am an Italian, I’ve lived in Newmarket for over 35 years – I’m part of the furniture – and always felt a huge sense of responsibility and pride riding for Her Majesty.

“Whenever you rode a winner for her, you could almost burst with pride. It was emotional at times.

“She had such a passion about racing and I was lucky enough to have so many conversations with her about the sport that we both loved.

“Her knowledge was vast and you could see the pleasure she got from talking about horses. I treasure the conversations I was very fortunate enough to have with her.

“She knew the form and