Ascot Racecourse announced June 13 that the 2013 Queen's Vase (Eng-III), to be run June 21, will be titled: "The Queen's Vase In Memory of Sir Henry Cecil."
Jointly with the King Edward VII Stakes (Eng-II), the Queen's Vase was the race in which Sir Henry had the most success with eight winners. He also holds the outright record in that race, with no other trainer having matched that tally.
Along with the Gold Cup (Eng-I) and the Royal Hunt Cup, the Queen's Vase is one of three races at Royal Ascot for which The Queen donates her own trophy. The jockeys riding in The Queen's Vase In Memory of Sir Henry Cecil will wear black armbands for the race.
On June 18, opening day of the meet, there will be a minute's silence at the racecourse after the arrival of the Royal Procession in the parade ring.
"Sir Henry was an intrinsic part of Royal Ascot with 75 winners over more than four decades," said Johnny Weatherby, Her Majesty's representative at Ascot. "It is no secret that Royal Ascot was his favorite meeting of the year, and we felt it was fitting to honor his achievements here and remember the passing of one the greatest figures that the world of sport has ever seen.
"Our thoughts are with Sir Henry's family, and I am delighted that Lady Jane will be accompanying the Countess of Wessex for the trophy presentation following the Queen's Vase."
