Horse connection to big events top news

British royal Charles, who had to wait until his mother’s death at age 96, to be crowned at Westminster Abbey, was finally named King Charles III, at age 73 — making him the oldest monarch to ever take the British throne. His wife, Camilla, was crowed Queen Consort.

Charles’ mother, Queen Elizabeth II, was the longest-reigning British monarch. She also delighted in breeding thoroughbred racehorses, which went on to win well over 1,500 major races

In related horsey news, Mage, ridden by Venezuelan jockey Javier Castellano, won the 149th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, on Saturday.

As to the British ruling family, it took an unexpected turn in 1936 when Elizabeth’s uncle, King Edward VIII, abdicated in order to marry twice-divorced American Wallis Simpson. His brother, George VI, succeeded him as King, ultimately leading to Elizabeth’s and now her son Charles reign.