Helpline: 01488 648998

news Eight former racehorses showcase their success after racing at the Dubai Future Champions Day RoR Parade

12th October 2023
Vancouverite and Emily Simpson at the RoR National Championships
  • Eight former racehorses will showcase a racehorse’s life after racing at Dubai Future Champions Festival
  • Including success stories from Godolphin’s Lifetime Care programme

Day two of Dubai Future Champions Festival at Newmarket's Rowley Mile on Saturday 14th October, promises to be an exciting event, not just for racing enthusiasts but also for those interested in the post-racing lives of racehorses. The highlight of the day will undoubtedly be the Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Parade, scheduled to take place before racing at 12:25 pm.

This year's parade will feature eight former racehorses, each with their own inspiring journey to share after retiring from racing. Among the eight-horse line-up is 2018 Melbourne Cup winner Cross Counter, along with a host of graduates from Godolphin’s Thoroughbred Rehoming Scheme.

Leading the parade is African Jazz, an eight-year-old who was trained by Charlie Appleby. African Jazz had a successful career on the flat, running on eight occasions and boasting two victories. After retiring from racing in 2019, he found a new calling in eventing and has been actively competing in British Evening classes up to BE90. Recently, he's also been making waves in the showring under the skilled guidance of rider Abi Sole.

Another former Charlie Appleby star taking part in the parade is Qewy. Qewy's illustrious racing career spanned six years and involved an incredible journey from Ireland to the UK, ultimately making his way to Australia. Throughout his journey, Qewy secured victory in six races, including two at the prestigious group level. Following his retirement in 2017, Qewy has continued to shine, showcasing his versatility by excelling in a variety of disciplines under the guidance of Charlotte Wyatt.

The parade is not just a showcase of individual talents; it's a testament to the versatility of racehorses. Joining African Jazz, Cross Counter and Qewy are Blair House, a Group 1 winner at Jebel Hatta, Barbers Shop, George Square, St Gregoire and Vancouverite. Together, they demonstrate the many different second career options available to racehorses when transiting into their second careers.

David Catlow, Managing Director of RoR, said, "The parade features a line-up of talented horses, many of which achieved success on the track but all of which are now enjoying a successful second career. Several of the horses found new careers with the help of Godolphin’s Thoroughbred Rehoming Scheme, before going on to compete in classes and competitions staged by RoR.

“We would like to thank Dubai and Newmarket for their support in promoting thoroughbred aftercare, emphasising the importance of ensuring these magnificent racehorses enjoy fulfilling lives beyond the racetrack.”

The Dubai Future Champions Day RoR Parade takes place at Newmarket's Rowley Mile on Saturday 14th October, 12:25 pm. The full line-up includes:

  1. AFRICAN JAZZ (Eventing & Showing) - ridden by Jody Sole
    8-year-old by Cape Cross, formerly trained by Charlie Appleby
    Breeder: Godolphin
  2. BARBERS SHOP (Showing) – ridden by Katie Jerram-Hunnable
    21-year-old by Saddlers’ Hall, formerly trained by Nicky Henderson
    Breeder: Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother.
  3. BLAIR HOUSE (Hacking) – ridden by Paul Duke
    10-year-old by Pivotal formerly trained by Charlie Appleby
    Breeder: Darley
  4. CROSS COUNTER – ridden by Sophie Stanfield
    7-year-old by Teofilo, formerly trained by Charlie Appleby
    Breeder: Godolphin
  5. GEORGE SQUARE (Eventing) – ridden by Kelly Guillambert
    5-year-old by Epaulette formerly trained by Danny Brooke
    Breeder: Mrs Noelle Walsh
  6. QEWY (Showing/Hunting) – ridden by Charlotte Wyatt
    13-year-old by Street Cry formerly trained by Charlie Appleby
    Breeder: Darley
  7. SAINT GREGOIRE (Dressage) – ridden by Louise Robson
    12-year-old by Le Havre formerly trained by Saeed bin Suroor
    Breeder – S A Franklin Finance
  8. VANCOUVERITE (Showing / Dressage) – ridden by Emily Simpson
    13-year-old by Dansili, formerly trained by John Ferguson
    Breeder: Darley


Latest news RoR is always interested to hear of other success stories so please email us and send a photograph of your own story.

Read
Published 27th August, 2024

Gentleman At Arms and Tapaidh Frankie crowned champions at The Jockey Club RoR National Championships

Title of Supreme Showing Champion goes to Gentleman At Arms and Harriet Edmunds Title of Elite Performance Award for...

Read
Published 14th August, 2024

Lalor's Blog – All roads lead to Aintree

By Stephanie Jones All roads lead to Aintree Equestrian Centre for the Jockey Club RoR National Championships, and July...

Read
Published 13th August, 2024

Over 300 former racehorses compete for glory at The Jockey Club RoR National Championships

Six days of high-quality competition exclusively for former racehorses 306 horses entered for The Jockey Club RoR Nation...

Read
Published 8th August, 2024

The lowdown on RoR endurance

Are you aware of the RoR Endurance Series and the pathway from grassroots to the Elite Endurance Performance Award? If n...