Swag for Royal Ascot winning breeders

Several American-bred horses, led by champion Tepin, will be in the spotlight at this week’s Royal Ascot meeting, and the British racecourse has announced new initiatives to honor the breeders of winners at the renowned event.

“For the first time, all breeders of winning horses at Royal Ascot will receive a memento of their achievement,” Guy Henderson, chief executive of Ascot Racecourse, said in a statement. “Appropriately, owners, trainers, jockeys, and stable staff are already recognized after races. For breeders, which are sometimes smaller operations, that recognition is less obvious but just as important. Therefore, we will be awarding Royal Ascot-branded Strawberry Dishes, designed by our official trophy and silverware suppliers, Garrard, to all winning breeders.

“As a further illustration of our recognition of the breeding industry and the importance of encouraging interest and participation from the next generation, we have partnered with the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association’s new initiative, The Thoroughbred Club, for members aged 16 to 30,” Henderson added. “We are offering half-price-admission opportunities throughout the year for members, including to the Queen Anne Enclosure on the Tuesday and Wednesday of Royal Ascot.”