It is a private club, and the members are almost exclusively drawn from the cream of the racing industry as well as members of the royal family and landed gentry.

The Queen acts as the patron of the organisation, but she is by no means the only royal in the club.

Prince Charles, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Princess Royal are also listed among the 123 members which make up the constitution of the Jockey Club.

Lord Weinstock, the Duke of Devonshire are some of the aristocratic representatives, while billionaire trainer Sheikh Mohammed is also a member of the sport's governing body.

Other recently elected members include Lady Lloyd-Webber, while the veteran journalist and commentator Lord Oaksey OBE was made an honorary member in 2001.