BRITISH sport will pause on Friday following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
The Queen died peacefully aged 96 – marking an end to her historic reign and sparking an outpouring of grief around the world.
Racing was cancelled mid-way through the card at Southwell and will remain cancelled through Friday
Play was suspended at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth
Day Two of the test match between England and South Africa at The Oval has been cancelled as cricket pays respect.
No action will take place, along with all scheduled games in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy.
Surrey Cricket Club tweeted: “As a mark of respect to Her Majesty, there will be no play in the Test Match between England and South Africa Men on Friday 9 September.
“A further announcement about the continuation of the Test match will be made in due course.”
The Queen’s beloved horse racing was stopped – Thursday evening’s meetings at Southwell and Chelmsford were both abandoned.
The British Horseracing Authority also released a statement confirming the suspension of the sport through Friday.
It read: “All of British Racing is in mourning today following the passing of Her Majesty The Queen.
“Her Majesty has been one of the greatest and most influential supporters in the history of horse racing.”
The Queen’s passing comes as…
- Liz Truss hailed the Queen as ‘the rock on which modern Britain was built’
- King Charles told of his ‘greatest’ sadness as he paid tribute to his mother
- The Queen went from a shy daddy’s girl to a hero who dedicated her life to the country
- The Union flag flew at half mast as the devastating news was announced
- Prince Charles has now become King Charles III
- Prince Harry was pictured holding his head as he travelled to Balmoral to be with his family
- Crowds have gathered at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and Balmoral to pay tribute to the Queen
And tournament organisers confirmed there will be no play at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth on Friday.
A statement read: “On behalf of our members and everyone associated with the European Tour group and the BMW PGA Championship, it is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“She truly was an inspiration to people the world over. Out of respect for Her Majesty and the Royal Family, play has been suspended at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club for the remainder of Thursday and all flags at Wentworth Club will be lowered to half-mast.
“Furthermore, no play will take place at the BMW PGA Championship on Friday and the golf course and practice facilities will be closed.
“Our deepest sympathies and condolences are with the Royal Family at this time.”
The Premier League had yet to announce plans for this weekend’s games.
Chiefs will decide on Friday whether to cancel the fixtures, but the English top flight did issue a statement on Twitter.
It read: “The Premier League is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen, Elizabeth II.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with The Royal Family and everyone around the world mourning the loss of Her Majesty.”
The Government is not planning to enforce a shutdown in sport as the UK enters 10 days of national mourning following the passing of the longest-reigning Sovereign in British history.
