news Retraining of Racehorses receives £321,000 grant from the Racing Foundation and the John Pearce Foundation

Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) is delighted to announce that it has received a £321,000 grant from the Racing Foundation and the John Pearce Foundation for its project, ‘Improving the Framework to Support Horses’ First Step Out of Training’, which is being delivered in partnership with HEROS. This vital funding will cover the project’s costs for one year and allow RoR to continue its crucial work in ensuring the welfare of former racehorses transitioning to second careers.

This co-funded grant, split evenly between the Racing Foundation and the John Pearce Foundation, marks a significant step in the development of the industry’s aftercare provisions. The project aims to establish a structured and transparent system to support horses as they leave racing, providing clear pathways and signposting to best practices in rehoming and retraining.

David Catlow, Managing Director of RoR, expressed RoR’s gratitude for the grant funding, saying: “We are extremely grateful to the Racing Foundation and the John Pearce Foundation for their generous support. This grant is critical in enabling us to build a solid framework for the aftercare of racehorses.

“It is important to note that this is bridge funding for just one year. The long-term sustainability of this project relies on a collaborative funding model from the racing industry, which we are working hard with industry to secure.”

The project will include several key initiatives, including the development of a formal assessment process for retiring horses, the creation of an Retrainer Approval Scheme, the continuation of the Retraining Assessment Programme, in collaboration with HEROS Charity, and the employment of a welfare support officer, part funded with the Horserace Betting Levy Board. These initiatives are designed to reduce the likelihood of former racehorses ending up in unsuitable homes and provide them with every opportunity for a successful transition.

Tansy Challis, Chief Executive of the Racing Foundation, commented: "RoR’s ‘Improving the Framework to Support Horses’ First Step Out of Training’ project provides a direct response to a number of the recommendations of the Aftercare Funding Review that the Racing Foundation funded, including focusing on the processes to ensure retiring racehorses have a smooth transition out of racing. The project also directly aligns with the Racing Foundation’s grant-making strategy, which includes a focus on supporting collaborative and strategic approaches to horse welfare and aftercare within the racing industry. This project is a crucial part of the efforts to ensure the long-term wellbeing of retired racehorses and highlights the positive impact that the racing industry can have on the lives of former racehorses.”

Anna Powell, Charity Officer at the John Pearce Foundation, said: “The John Pearce Foundation is delighted to jointly fund this key aftercare initiative with the Racing Foundation. An industry-aligned approach to aftercare is what the industry needs and by giving horses the best possible transition out of their racing career and into their next chapter, long term welfare issues will be significantly reduced. The business case and outcomes from this bridge funding will hopefully secure the industry’s commitment going forward.”

Grace Muir, founder of HEROS Charity, one of RoR's key partners for this initiative, added: “We are incredibly proud to continue our partnership with RoR for the third year of the Retraining Assessment Programme. At HEROS, we recognise that it is essential to provide the necessary support for horses transitioning from racing to second careers. HEROS has long-standing experience in this complex area and by working together with RoR, we are able to offer a comprehensive, structured approach to aftercare that prioritises the horse's welfare and sets them up for and protection and success in their new life.”

As part of the launch, a short film has been created detailing the project’s aims and the difference it will make for horses and the industry. The film is available to watch at https://youtu.be/wbVXA9O2vrY

ENDS

Notes to Editors

For more information, please contact Toni Levey, Marketing and Communications Executive on tlevey@ror.org.uk

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.

Find out more about our work, please visit www.ror.org.uk

Racing Foundation

In 2012 the Racing Foundation was established to oversee the distribution of funds to charitable causes within the racing and thoroughbred industry following the sale of the Tote. Since inception it has awarded over £39million in grants. Equine welfare, racing’s people and ESG are the key areas of focus in its 2025 – 2027 strategy.

The Trustees of the Racing Foundation are Julia Budd (Chair), Linda Bowles (SID), Jim Boyle, Louise Kemble, Alice Page, Rishi Persad and Algy Smith-Maxwell. The British Horseracing Authority, the Thoroughbred Group and Racecourse Association are the three joint Members of the Racing Foundation, which is registered with the Charity Commission as a charity under the law of England and Wales (no. 1145297).

www.racingfoundation.co.uk @RacingGrants

John Pearce Foundation

The John Pearce Foundation (‘JPF’ or ‘the Foundation’) is a registered UK charity established to realise the late Mr Pearce’s desire to support both the racing and breeding industry together with the palliative care sector. It was registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in December 2018 and entered in the UK Charity Commissioners Register of Charities under number 1181348.

Born just after World War 1, John Pearce was schooled in England before returning to join his family business in Hong Kong, Hutchison International. A talented businessman and investor, Mr Pearce used his success to pursue a passion for thoroughbreds. Although he never achieved his lifelong ambition to breed and race a Derby winner, Mr Pearce had a fruitful partnership with trainer Geoff Wragg. Together they won the Ascot Gold Cup with Arcadian Heights (1994), before coming a close second in the Derby with Dragon Dancer (2006).

Established to support his favoured charities and to continue his successful thoroughbred breeding and racing operation, the John Pearce Foundation and John Pearce Racing together represent the legacy of Mr John Pearce.