Retraining of Racehorses parade at Cheltenham Festival celebrates equine champions thriving in second careers
On Tuesday 10 March 2026, racegoers at Cheltenham Festival will have the opportunity to welcome back some of National Hunt racing’s most celebrated stars when Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) stages a special parade in the parade ring from 12.15pm before the first race.
The parade will shine a spotlight on 14 remarkable former racehorses, many of them Cheltenham heroes and Grade 1 winners; each with their own story and now enjoying fulfilling second careers across a variety of disciplines including showing, dressage, eventing, and as much-loved family pets.
RoR is British Horseracing’s official charity for the welfare of horses that have retired from racing. Through education, welfare support and membership, alongside a nationwide series of competitions, the charity helps former racehorses find new purpose and loving homes while promoting their versatility and adaptability.
Among the parade’s stars is Al Boum Photo, the dual Cheltenham Gold Cup hero whose back‑to‑back victories in 2019 and 2020 cemented his place in festival folklore. Amassing over £1 million in prize money during a glittering career, he now demonstrates the same professionalism and enthusiasm in his second career, excelling in eventing and showing, and proudly representing the versatility that RoR seeks to celebrate. His return to Cheltenham promises to be an emotional highlight for racegoers who watched him dominate the very turf he will parade on once again.
Also taking centre stage is the ever-popular Frodon, a 17-time chase winner whose partnership with Bryony Frost produced some of the most memorable moments in recent National Hunt history, including his 2019 Ryanair Chase triumph at Cheltenham and his 2020 King George VI Chase victory. With earnings exceeding £1 million and a legacy defined by courage and charisma, Frodon is now thriving in the show ring, having already qualified for prestigious events such as Hickstead and the RoR National Championships at Aintree.
David Catlow, Managing Director of RoR said “Cheltenham is synonymous with some of the greatest moments in National Hunt racing, so to see these former champions return here, thriving in their second careers, is incredibly poignant.
“Parades like this allow us to celebrate not only their achievements on the track, but also the dedication of the owners and riders who have retrained them. These horses may have won Gold Cups and Grade 1s, but their adaptability, intelligence and willingness to learn are what truly define them. It’s a powerful reminder that with the right support, a horse’s life after racing can be every bit as rewarding.”
Full line-up of parade participants:
- A Plus Tard – ridden by Emily Kate Robinson
- Al Boum Photo – ridden by Louise Duffy
- Balthazar King – ridden by Michael Andrews
- Bristol De Mai – ridden by Clare Lawes
- Coneygree – ridden by Sara Bradstock
- Elegant Escape – ridden by Lilly Clothier
- Frodon – ridden by Philippa Hyde
- Melon – ridden by Sophie Candy
- Native River – ridden by Emma Clutterbuck
- Not At Present – ridden by Molly Sherring
- Paisley Park – ridden by Gabrielle Jones
- Ramses De Teillee – ridden by Jess Wyatt
- Saphir Du Rheu – ridden by Charlotte Alexander
- Sharjah – ridden by Phoebie Hawkins
ENDS
Notes to Editors
For more information, please contact:
Meg Jackson, Marketing Communications Executive, [email protected]
Retraining of Racehorses
Established in 2000, Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) is committed to safeguarding the welfare of all former racehorses through various preventative measures, including:
- Setting industry standards for retraining former racehorses.
- Providing training and education to owners to build lifelong partnerships with their retired racehorses.
- Promoting the versatility of these horses in various equestrian activities and facilitating their participation in competitions.
- Maintaining a robust tracking system for former racehorses through RoR membership.
RoR also extends support to former racehorses in times of need through its welfare work.