news Aintree Hosts Thrilling Day of Racing and Retraining of Racehorses Demonstration

• This event offers a day of family-friendly fun, heart-pounding horse racing action, and a captivating RoR demonstration.
• It's a treat for horse enthusiasts and equestrian fans alike.

Get ready for a thrilling Halloween at Aintree Racecourse on 29 October 2023, as Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) and The Jockey Club brings together the excitement of horse racing and educational demonstrations on retraining former racehorses over fences.

Set to coincide with the Jewson Halloween Family Day, this exceptional event promises an exciting combination of horse racing and valuable insights into the retraining of former racehorses. Renowned international coach and Olympic event rider Eric Smiley will host the event. With a distinguished background as a British Eventing Master Coach, Smiley has a remarkable track record of nurturing successful careers for thoroughbreds in eventing, contributing to their achievements at prestigious events like Badminton and the World & European Eventing Championships, securing team medals twice.

The RoR demonstration is scheduled to take place before racing at 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at the Aintree Equestrian International Centre. Entry to the RoR demonstration is entirely free for racegoers, providing attendees with a fantastic opportunity to gain insights into the retraining process for former racehorses and to appreciate the skills involved in this transformative journey.

The featured horses in the demonstration include Aintree Racecourse's Horses for Courses equine ambassador, Definilty Red. Definilty Red, a two-time champion of the Many Clouds Chase, has transitioned into a new career in the show ring since retiring and continues to excel as a champion outside the racing world.

Another notable horse, Brasingaman Bellamy, a 6-year-old by Black Sam Bellamy, had a promising racing career but had to retire due to a recurring injury. Since his retirement, he has embarked on a new path in dressage and eventing under the guidance of David Llewellyn, achieving commendable results and showcasing significant potential for the future.

Completing the demonstration is the horse-rider combination of St John's Square and Lizzie Lea. St John's Square, a nine-year-old gelding by Milan, formerly raced over hurdles wearing the famous silks of owner JP McManus. After retiring, he has found a fulfilling career in eventing, highlighting the versatility and adaptability of former racehorses. It's an event that promises to combine the excitement of the racecourse with the educational value of RoR, making it a Halloween celebration like no other.

For additional information or to secure tickets using your RoR Member discount code which offers you half price tickets, please reach out to your local Regional Development officer. You can also visit www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/aintree for further details and booking.