The Queen has bought a filly, part-owned by Elizabeth Hurley, for a reported £500,000.
Memory, a three-year-old by Danehill Dancer, was listed to be sold at Tattersall’s annual mares’ sale last week, but was withdrawn beforehand. The saleroom announced that Memory had been sold privately.
She will be used for breeding at the royal stud at Sandringham.
The filly was previously owned by the Highclere Thoroughbred Racing syndicate. Members include the model Liz Hurley and former England rugby captain, Lawrence Dallaglio.
Memory impressed winning the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot last year, when – relatively inexperienced – she burst through a field of 22 in the final furlong.
The Richard Hannon-trained filly then won the Cherry Hinton at Newmarket and went into the winter as one of the favourites for the 1,000 Guineas.
But she refused to come out of the stalls in the Classic – and on two subsequent occasions – and was retired in July.
At the time, Mr Hannon said: “We have no idea why it happens. She doesn’t worry, she doesn’t fret, she doesn’t sweat.
“She flew out at home yesterday. It’s bizarre. She seems to know when it’s a proper raceday. She’s a brilliant filly but has her own mind.”
Memory is an unusual purchase for The Queen. She rarely buys horses because she prefers to breed her own.
The purchase was made through her racing manager, John Warren.
