news RoR Parade at Aintree to highlight the versatility of former racehorses with a stellar 12-horse line-up, featuring a former Grand National winner

The second day of the Randox Grand National Festival on Friday 4 April, will feature the return of the annual Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Parade, taking place before racing from 12.55pm to 1.15pm. This year’s parade will showcase a stunning 12-horse line-up, highlighting the remarkable versatility of the Thoroughbred and demonstrating how former racehorses can excel in various activities, from horseball to traditional disciplines like dressage and showing.

Leading the parade is 19-year-old Ballynagour, who retired in 2019 after a distinguished racing career, including victory in the 2014 Byrne Group Plate at the Cheltenham Festival, second place in the Betfred Bowl, third in the Melling Chase, and 11th in the 2017 Grand National. Since retirement, he has excelled in team chasing, becoming a top lead horse for Team Ride Away. Now retired from team chasing, Ballynagour enjoys nannying the younger horses.

Also parading is Pineau De Re, 11 years on from winning the 2014 Grand National. Since retiring in 2016, Pineau has excelled in British Eventing, hunting, team chasing, dressage, and showing. He was a runner-up for RoR Horse of the Year in 2022 and even served as a baton bearer for the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Pineau recently qualified for the BE100 Arena Eventing Championships in 2025.

Master Wickham is another highlight. After retiring in 2015, he successfully transitioned into show jumping, eventing, and showing, with victories at venues including Badminton, Hickstead, Burghley, and Bramham. His transition to Grade A showjumper along with his adaptable nature earned him the 2025 RoR Horse of the Year title, showcasing the extraordinary versatility of former racehorses.

The parade will also feature Kemboy, Melon, Duke of Navan, and Sharjah, stars from the Willie Mullins yard, each with a unique story of success after racing. Additionally, Peveril Point and Silver Knife, who never made an impact in racing, have been retrained to compete internationally in horseball, further demonstrating the versatility of former racehorses in a variety of disciplines.

David Catlow, Managing Director of Retraining of Racehorses (RoR), said: "We are grateful to Aintree Racecourse and The Jockey Club for allowing us to present such a wonderful line-up of former racehorses at the Randox Grand National Festival. The RoR Parade highlights the diverse career options available to former racehorses and the need for continued support, as outlined in the RoR Strategy 2024-2026."

The RoR Parade at Aintree provides a unique opportunity for racegoers to see firsthand the diverse paths former racehorses can take after their racing careers, exemplifying the value of retraining and demonstrating that, with the right support, every former racehorse can enjoy a fulfilling second career.

Full Line-Up:

1. Ballynagour – ridden by Joe Stevenson
2. Peveril Point – ridden by David Worthington
3. Silver Knife – ridden by Ben Berry
4. Dear Sire – ridden by Amiee Alexander
5. Duke of Navan – ridden by Kelly Harding
6. Kemboy – ridden by Rachel Sharp
7. Kimberlite Candy – ridden by Hollie Cartwright
8. Master Wickham – ridden by Claire Lewis
9. Melon – ridden by Sophie Candy
10. Pineau De Re – ridden by Lizzie Brunt
11. Sharjah – ridden by Abbie Hawkins
12. Top Wood – ridden by Jasean Spragatt

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