Sporting tributes and postponements for late Queen Elizabeth

Sporting events scheduled for Friday have been cancelled across the United Kingdom as a mark of respect following the death of Queen Elizabeth.

The death of Elizabeth II, 96, who was the country's longest-reigning monarch and served as head of state for more than 70 years, was announced on Thursday evening.

Tributes poured in from sports governing bodies and personalities, including the Irish Rugby Football Union.

"The IRFU express our condolences to the Royal Family on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth," it said in a tweet. "Our sympathies are with our friends in the Home Unions and their supporters."

Horse racing

The late queen owned horses that recorded over 1,600 wins - including every English Classic except the Derby - and Horse Racing Ireland saluted "a lifetime enriched by a love of racing".

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II and a lifetime enriched by a love of racing. "Our world is a poorer place for her passing but a far richer and better place as a result of her long life and enduring contribution. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis." - Taoiseach Micheál Martin pic.twitter.com/4c1odLxegw

Racing at Southwell and Chelmsford on Thursday evening was abandoned. The British Horseracing Authority also announced the meetings scheduled for Friday – including the third day of the St Leger meeting at Doncaster – have also been cancelled.

Golf

Play at the PGA Championship golf at Wentworth was suspended on Thursday evening when the news broke, and it was later confirmed that there would be no play on Friday.

"Out of respect for Her Majesty and the Royal Family, play has been suspended at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club for the remainder of Thursday and flags at Wentworth Club will be lowered to half-mast," a