The earliest air races attracted an international audience and large cash prizes were offered for the winners.
As aircraft became more diverse, handicapping was adopted in Britain to level the playing field.
Those rules still apply today, with some minor modifications and the King’s Cup remains the only air race to receive royal patronage.
Since 1952, the annual British Air-Racing Champion has been awarded the Jubilee Trophy: a silver cup.
The runner-up is awarded the Brian McBride Trophy: a silver bowl on a wooden plinth.