LEXINGTON, Ky. — Keeneland announced on Tuesday that the track planted six cherry trees – three on each side of the infield tote board – in honor of Queen Elizabeth II.

A lifelong horsewoman, the Queen attended the races at Keeneland on Oct. 11, 1984, for the inaugural running of the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup, for which she presented the trophy.

Trophy Presenation by Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup, October 11, 1984. (Keeneland photo)

The tree planting at Keeneland was part of The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative to mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and to serve as a living legacy to her “extraordinary service to her country and her people.” The Queen passed away earlier this year on Sept. 8.

“Queen Elizabeth II was an unmatched horsewoman and a tremendous patron of Thoroughbred racing,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “We were fortunate to have welcomed The Queen to Keeneland and Central Kentucky, and her visits to the Bluegrass created a lasting connection. We are honored to pay tribute to her racing legacy.”

Keeneland will celebrate the 39^th running of the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup, now worth $600,000, on Saturday, Oct. 15 during the annual Fall Meet. The prestigious, invitation-only turf stakes for 3-year-old fillies has been won by champions Dayatthespa and Rushing Fall, and by such multiple graded stakes winners as Cambier Parc, Film Maker, Memories of Silver, Riskaverse, Shantisara (IRE) and Vacare.

The Keeneland Library featured the photo exhibit “Elizabeth II: Horsewoman” this year to further honor the late monarch. A video of the exhibit and a scrapbook of the photos on display were sent to The Queen, who responded with a thank-you letter penned on Windsor Castle stationery, Keeneland officials said.