news Champions old and new set to shine in the Retraining of Racehorses Parade on Cheltenham Festival's opening day

On Tuesday 11 March, racegoers will witness the annual Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Parade at 12.25pm, showcasing 14 former racehorses. Some are well-known for their racing careers, while others have found success during their second careers, highlighting the opportunities available to racehorses when they finish their racing careers.

Making his Cheltenham parade debut is Paisley Park, who retired at the festival last year after completing the Grade 1 Stayers’ Hurdle. The 13-year-old won 11 races, including four at Cheltenham, and earned nearly £750,000 in prize money. Since retiring, he’s found a new home with Katrina, Emma Lavelle's secretary, and her daughter Jazz. Paisley Park is enjoying hunting and is set to appear in the Tattersalls RoR Show Series qualifiers later this year.

Also featured is Pineau De Re, winner of the 2014 Grand National. Since retiring in 2016, he has excelled in British Eventing, hunting, team chasing, dressage, and showing. He was runner-up for RoR Horse of the Year in 2022 and served as a baton bearer for the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Pineau has recently qualified for the BE100 Arena Eventing Championships in July 2025. A true yard king, he enjoys living outside but loves coming in for breakfast and a morning snooze.

Native River, who retired in 2021 after earning over £1 million in prize money, has thrived in his post-racing life. Aside from attending numerous social events, he has become a riding horse, excelling in showing. In 2024, he was crowned the Tattersalls RoR Amateur Show Series Champion at Hickstead.

Other notable horses in the parade include Balthazar King, Bristol De Mai, Coneygree – a four-time Cheltenham Festival runner-up – Melon, and Saphir Du Rheu. Each horse has a unique story of success in their second career, showcasing the diverse paths that former racehorses can take.

David Catlow, Managing Director of RoR, said "This parade showcases a variety of horses, many of whom excelled on the racecourse, while others have found success in their second careers. Regardless of size, shape, or ability, all are thriving and enjoying active retirements. These parades offer racegoers a firsthand look at the many post-racing opportunities available. While they highlight the care and commitment to retired racehorses in Great Britain, they also emphasise the need for continued support, as outlined in the RoR Strategy 2024-2026, to ensure every former racehorse has the opportunity for a well-supported life beyond racing, whatever path they take.”

Full line up:

1. Balthazar King – ridden by Michael Andrews
2. Bristol De Mai – ridden by Clare Lawes
3. Coneygree – ridden by Sara Bradstock
4. Elegant Escape – ridden by Lily Clothier
5. Kemboy – ridden by Rachel Sharp
6. Melon – ridden by Sophie Candy
7. Minella Rebellion – ridden by Katie Dashwood
8. Native River and Jazmin Hosgood
9. Paisley Park – ridden by Gabby Jones
10. Pineau De Re – ridden by Lizzie Brunt
11. Polydamos – ridden by Katy Llewellyn
12. Saphir Du Rheu – ridden by Charlotte Alexander
13. Sharjah – ridden by Abbie Hawkins
14. Wonga Swinger – ridden by Tori Thomas