Henry Birtles, widely known as the ‘Racing Poet’, was recently spotted attending Royal Ascot alongside his longtime friend, actress Elizabeth Hurley. At 57, Birtles has built a reputation for his poetic contributions to the world of horse racing, a sport he is deeply passionate about. His love for the sport has earned him his unique title, and he is often recognized for reciting his verses during key racing events, such as Cheltenham Gold Cup Day.
Birtles and Hurley share a close friendship that has lasted for many years, including connections with Hurley’s late fiancé, Shane Warne. Their bond has occasionally made headlines, such as when a playful photo of the two in superhero costumes—Hurley dressed as Superwoman and Birtles as Superman—surfaced in 2022.
On this occasion at Royal Ascot, Birtles was dressed in a formal grey tailcoat, pale blue waistcoat, and top hat. He is believed to be single after separating from his wife Cathy in 2021. Cathy has been supportive of their friendship, dismissing any romantic speculation surrounding Birtles and Hurley after the superhero photo emerged.
As a poet, Henry Birtles aims to bring the excitement and beauty of horse racing to a wider audience. His website describes his writing as capturing the “heartbeat and humor” of the sport through a traditional poetic style. His poems often evoke moments and figures from the racing world, reflecting the emotions shared by racing fans.
Although horse racing is his main focus, Birtles has written about other subjects, including cricket, the World Cup, and personal odes dedicated to friends and family. Despite his wide range of topics, Birtles prefers to refer to his work as ‘rhymes’ rather than ‘poetry‘, in a humble nod to the great poets who came before him.
In addition to his writing, Birtles runs HBA Media, a consultancy specializing in television rights for horse racing. He frequently collaborates with jockey clubs and racehorse owners, and his work has been featured on channels like the BBC, Channel 4, and Dubai Sports Channel.
In 2023, Birtles received an invitation to Buckingham Palace for a reception celebrating contemporary British poetry, where he was photographed conversing with the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Though Birtles’ work and friendship with Hurley have made headlines, he remains dedicated to his passion for horse racing and poetry, continuing to share his craft with audiences at major events like Royal Ascot.