Hey there, friends. If you’ve ever wondered about the hobbies of the longest-serving monarch in British history, you might be surprised to learn that Queen Elizabeth isn’t just about tea and scones. Nope, she’s got a deep, lifelong connection to horses—one that’s turned into quite the lucrative side gig. Let me break it down for you. The Queen, at 91 years old, has raked in over $11 million in winnings from horse racing over the last three decades. That’s right—eleven million dollars. Now that’s what I call a profitable hobby!

Her love affair with these magnificent animals began early. At just four years old, she was gifted her first pony, and by the time she was 23, she was already winning races as a proud horse owner. Fast forward to today, and it’s estimated that Her Majesty owns around 25 horses. Most of them call the stud at her Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, England, home. Can you imagine having a personal stable of champions?

(Photo Credit: Getty Images)

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A Royal Return to the Races

Now, here’s the thing: while Her Majesty had a stellar run in the 1930s, she’s not resting on her laurels. According to Sean Trivass of MyRacing.com, Queen Elizabeth is “back in the game” after a particularly successful year on the track. And let me tell you, this isn’t just about the thrill of the race for her. While she’s a regular attendee at the prestigious Royal Ascot races every June, Trivass revealed that her passion for horses goes deeper than racing. “She is a small owner-breeder,” he explained. “There’s far more satisfaction as an owner-breeder to have seen that horse as a foal, watch it grow up, and then go to the races and win. She appreciates and enjoys that side of things as much as anything.”

A Royal Visit with a Touch of Humor

Just the other day, Queen Elizabeth, alongside her eldest son, Prince Charles, visited the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. It was a special occasion, as she got to name the regiment’s new drum horse, Perseus. Dressed in a stunning sky-blue cashmere ensemble by Stewart Parvin, the Queen looked every bit the regal figure while mingling with the majestic horses.

During her visit to the stables, the Queen took a moment to greet a particular mare named Joanie. This striking horse was a gift from the Queen to the regiment last year. Upon seeing her, Her Majesty remarked, “She’s quite small,” before feeding her a mint. But here’s the kicker—when the horse playfully curled its lips and bared its teeth, the Queen laughed and quipped, “Horrid!” Now, that’s one bold mare with a sense of humor!

Ranking Among the Best

According to MyRacing.com, Queen Elizabeth ranks 11th in the flat-racing season that concluded recently. It’s estimated that she earned around $706,552 this year alone. Talk about a royal win! Her dedication to the sport and her passion for these incredible animals truly shine through in every race.

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This post was written by Kate Wagner. It originally appeared on our sister site, Now to Love.