news RoR expands eligibility to all Thoroughbreds bred for racing, strengthening industry traceability

Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) is proud to announce an important update to its eligibility criteria, now allowing all Thoroughbreds bred for racing worldwide, located in Great Britian, to register with RoR free of charge. This strategic move will significantly enhance traceability across the racing industry in Great Britain, ensuring that every Thoroughbred bred for racing has access to the vital support and education needed.

New eligibility criteria: expanding access and improving traceability

Previously, RoR’s registration system was limited to former racehorses that had either been in training with a licensed racehorse trainer or had raced under a recognised racing authority, including point-to-pointers. Horses trained or raced outside of Great Britain were assigned NR numbers (not raced), while those who raced in Great Britain received membership numbers without prefixes.

With the new changes, all Thoroughbreds bred for racing regardless of whether they have been in training can now register with RoR under a newly created "NT" (not been in training) number. To ensure traceability, these horses will still be required to have an official racing passport, such as a Weatherbys’ passport registered with the General Stud Book (GSB) or an equivalent international racing authority.

The updated eligibility criteria are as follows:

• Not been in training (NT): Thoroughbreds bred for racing but never entered training with a licensed trainer.
• Not raced (NR): Thoroughbreds that have been in training but did not race or have raced abroad but not in Great Britain.
• Raced in GB: Thoroughbreds that have raced in Great Britain, including point-to-pointers.

David Catlow, Managing Director of RoR, said: “RoR’s expanded eligibility to register with RoR underscores our continued commitment to safeguarding the wellbeing of all former racehorses, including Thoroughbreds bred for racing as outlined in the RoR Strategy 2024-2026. This ensures they receive the necessary support to lead a well-supported life beyond racing.

Boosting welfare and supporting every stage

By opening up registration to all Thoroughbreds bred for racing, RoR aims improve traceability within the industry. This expansion will allow RoR to track and support horses at every stage of their lives, helping to ensure that no horse is lost in the system, and all have access to the necessary welfare programmes when needed.

Expanding educational access for all Thoroughbreds

In conjunction with this eligibility change, RoR is also enhancing its educational offerings. All Thoroughbreds now registered with RoR will have access to a range of educational programmes including camps, clinics, and events. These initiatives are designed to assist horses in transitioning to second careers, offering valuable opportunities for owners to foster lasting partnerships between horse and rider.

RoR competitions

At this stage we are not opening our competition series to Thoroughbreds that have not been in training. This is something we will keep under review.

For more information, please visit our registration eligibility FAQs.

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