news Diverse line up on Parade at The Coral Scottish Grand National Festival

• Parade showcases the adaptability of former racehorses to succeed in a second career
• Former Ayr winners among the ten horse line up

The Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Parade, generously sponsored by the Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust, takes place before racing at around 12.30pm in the parade ring.

The diverse ten-horse line-up includes several winners at Ayr and regulars from the Scottish racecourses. Each of the ten horses has found a fulfilling second career after retiring from racing, whether it be showing, dressage, showjumping, eventing or hunting.

Among the line up featuring Cheeky Wee Red (above), Naunton Brook and Roman Sioux is Carlito Brigante.

Formerly trained by Grand National winning trainer Gordon Elliot until 2013 and then trained by Karen McLintock, Carlito Brigante won over £230,000 during his 6 year racing career, clocking up 10 wins from his 47 starts. Lito, as he is known at home, is now fulfilling his second career with Rachel Shiell who says “ he has taken to his second career really well having been placed on his only two outings last year and we are aiming for the RoR National Championships this year. Lito loves hacking out and is a real attention seeker, he is lazy in the school but a real pleasure to have around”

David Brown, Managing Director of Ayr Racecourse said:

“I am delighted to once again welcome the Retraining of Racehorses Parade to Ayr on Coral Scottish Grand National day.

“This is a now an integral part of the day and to see these horses parading is quite a sight. The crowd love to gather round the Parade Ring to watch them and hear what they are up to now”

Di Arbuthnot, Chief Executive of RoR, said: “All of these horses are now happily retrained and having an active life in Scotland whilst promoting the versatility of the racehorse.

“We would also like to thank the Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust for their most generous sponsorship. Peter was a fervent supporter of horse welfare and would have enjoyed seeing these horses parade.”

Details of the nine horses participating, together with their riders and their current activities, are listed below.

ALL FOR EVE (Eventing) – Ridden by Louisa Hylands

12-year-old by Alflora, formerly trained by Jimmy Frost

Following his retirement from racing, All For Eve has taken part in showing being crowned Champion RoR at Dorset County Show and qualifying three times for the RoR Final at Hickstead. He is currently qualified for the RoR Scottish Series Final at the Royal Highland in May and has proved his versatility by being placed in British Eventing classes and winning Team Chasing.

CARLITO BRIGANTE (Showing) – Ridden by Rachel Shiell

12-year-old by Haafhd, formerly trained by Karen McLintock

Carlito Brigante ran 47 times whilst in training earning an impressive £233,000 during his racing career. Having retired from racing, Carlito Brigante is now in the early stages of his retraining but has shown an affinity for showing and has been placed in both of his two outings. He is being aimed towards the RoR National Championships at Aintree in August.

CHEEKY WEE RED (Dressage) – Ridden by Alice Pullem

10-year-old by Pastoral Pursuits, formerly trained by Alistair Whillans

Having retired in 2014, Cheeky Wee Red quickly showed an affinity for dressage and now competes in Affiliated dressage at advanced medium and Prix St George level. He has many notable wins to his name, including Advanced Medium Champion at 2017 Petplan Area Festival and Elementary and Medium Champion at the Scottish RoR Dressage Finals. Cheeky Wee Red loves to compete especially at the higher levels doing flying changes and canter pirouettes.

CUMBRIAN FARMER (Eventing) – Ridden by Shona Murdoch

11-year-old by Alflora, formerly trained by Kenneth Slack

Following his retirement from racing, Cumbrian Farmer can be found competing at affiliated Eventing and Showjumping. He has also taken part in the RoR National Championships at Aintree for the last two years with many placings and he finished sixth in RoR Regional League.

HUMOUROUS (Hunting) – Ridden by Jessica Beckett

16-year-old by Darshaan, formerly trained by Brian Storey

Humourous, or Homi as he is known, retired from racing in 2016 and since then has qualified for the RoR National Championships In-Hand Showing finals and the aim for 2018 is to return to Aintree to compete in both dressage and showing classes. Homi loves going out competing and will even load himself into the trailer!

JAKEINI (Showjumping) – Ridden by Nikki Sinclair

15-year-old by Rossini, formerly trained by Ed McMahon

Having retired form racing as a 5-year-old, Jakeini and his rider Nikki take part in Riding Club eventing and local dressage competitions and the pair are aiming to take part in British Showjumping Club Leagues. Showing is another favourite with this pair who both love to dress up. Jakeini fits in with Nikki’s lifestyle as a mum of two young boys, he is very laid back and easy going.

NAUNTON BROOK (Common Ridings) – Ridden by Jim Bunyan

19-year-old by Alderbrook, formerly trained by Nigel Twiston Davies

Naunton Brook, having earned over £100,000 during his racing career, is now a regular participant in the Common Ridings in the Scottish Borders. He has hunted with the Buccleugh and taken part in Hunt Rides. Naunton Brook has been to RoR Camp and done some low-level showing and general competing. A real gentleman, he was a super school-master for Willie Twiston Davies in his Point to Point days and more recently he has nannied many young horses and carried the Field Master for a season.

ROMAN SIOUX (Showing) – Ridden by Carol Bunting

11-year-old by Antonius Pius, formerly trained by Robin Bastiman

Having retired from racing in 2012, Roman Sioux can regularly be seen out showing and hunting. He was crowned Reserve Champion at the Royal Highland Show in 2016 and Champion Ex-Racers Club 2015. One of his key engagements was attending Carol’s wedding as her bridesmaid and was ridden to the ceremony followed by a piper!

TANTOBIE (Hunting) – Ridden by Kerrie McGinn

16-year-old by Executive Perk, formerly trained by Jane Walton

Since being retired from racing, Tantobie competes in RoR Retrained Racehorse Challenge classes, shows, events and hunts with the Lauderdale. Described as a hunting machine he absolutely loves his jumping.