news RoR Parade set at Dubai Future Champions Festival

Saturday 12 October, the Dubai Future Champions Festival at Newmarket racecourse will feature an inspiring Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Parade, taking place in the parade ring from 12.25pm to 12.45pm. The parade will celebrate the versatility and adaptability of former racehorses while showcasing the many second career options available to them after their racing days.

Leading the seven-horse parade is African Jazz, an eight-year-old gelding trained by Charlie Appleby, who enjoyed a successful racing career with two victories, before retiring in 2019. Ridden by Abi Sole, African Jazz has since excelled in the RoR Showing Series, earning accolades including the RoR Champion title at the Royal Norfolk Show.

Also participating is Blair House, a Group 1 winner, also trained by Charlie Appleby. Now an ambassador for Godolphin’s Lifetime Care programme. Blair House takes part in community visits, bringing joy to local schools and hospitals while showcasing his remarkable journey from the racecourse to therapeutic roles.

Another standout in the parade is 18-year-old Skysurfers, ridden by Rachel Ovens. This gelding by E Dubai, trained by Saeed bin Suroor, won four of 10 races and earned over £580,000, including breaking the track record in Dubai while winning the Firebreak Stakes and the Godolphin Mile in 2011. Acquired through the Godolphin rehoming programme in 2013, he initially pursued low-level eventing but has recently focused on dressage, thriving in affiliated competitions since 2020, including winning the RoR Open Elementary Dressage Championships at Blenheim.

Other notable participants include Saint Gregoire, a 13-year-old gelding who is excelling in dressage under Louise Robson, and Scarf, a 16-year-old gelding who has transitioned to competing in side-saddle and formation riding.

Commenting, David Catlow, Managing Director of RoR, said: "This event showcases skilled horses, many of whom have excelled on the racecourse and are now thriving in new careers. We appreciate the support from Dubai and Newmarket in promoting thoroughbred aftercare.

RoR parades aim to educate racegoers about the diverse second career opportunities for racehorses and stress the need for increased support and resources, as detailed in the RoR Strategy 2024-2026, to ensure the wellbeing of retired racehorses.

Full parade line up:

1. AFRICAN JAZZ - ridden by Abi Sole

2. ART DU VAL – ridden by Abi Crouch

3. BLAIR HOUSE – ridden by Sophy Stanfield

4. SAINT GREGOIRE - ridden by Louise Robson

5. SCARF – ridden by Beverly Pooley

6. SECRET NUMBER – ridden by Hannah Thompson

7. SKYSURFERS – ridden by Rachel Ovens