news Signed copies of Clare Balding’s latest book to be won by registering for RoR’s Virtual Showcase

Anyone who registers for the opening session of the RoR Virtual Showcase could win a signed copy of Clare Balding’s latest bestseller, Heroic Animals: 100 Amazing Creatures Great and Small. Simply register for the first session, ‘A Racehorse’s Life Before Retraining’, to be held on Wednesday 2^nd December, to be eligible to win this special prize.

In the book the BAFTA-winning presenter and no. 1 bestselling author picks out the most heroic and heart-warming (and sometimes hilarious) animals from history and tells their stories.

Heroic Animals brings to life incredible feats and moving moments which highlight the timeless special bond between human and animal. Among the stories told are that of Bobbie the Wonder dog who crossed more than 2,500 miles of plains, desert and mountains to find his way home – and became the inspiration for Lassie.

Cher Ami the pigeon that despite being shot twice delivered a message to save the lives of 194 soldiers in 1918. And Trakr the police dog who spent two days exhaustively searching Ground Zero and found the last survivor of the 9/11 attacks.

Given her background, not surprisingly several horses also feature in Clare’s new book, including Mill Reef (trained by her father Ian), Arkle and Red Rum, as well as Clare’s first pony, Valkyrie:

“If dogs taught me how to love, ponies taught me how to behave. Valkyrie was a funny little ball of fur who had seen the upper end of life as a Shetland pony. She had belonged to Her Majesty the Queen and was given to my parents when I was born, because my father was one of the royal racehorse trainers.

“Valkyrie expected certain standards. She did not take kindly to a toddler throwing a tantrum. She had a way of looking at me with disapproval if I behaved badly and, on occasion, would gently but persistently back me into the corner of the stable, refusing to let me out until I got my temper under control.”

RoR Patron Clare has generously donated three signed copies of the book and anyone registering to view the first session of the Virtual Showcase is in with a chance to win a copy.

Clare’s own brother Andrew features in the opening session; one of the most successful flat trainers in Europe, Andrew Balding is joined by TV presenter Luke Harvey, Diana Cooper from Godolphin and Yogi Breisner discussing ‘A Racehorse’s Life Before Retraining’.

Taking place at 7pm on Wednesday 2^nd December and hosted by Nick Luck, the session provides an opportunity to learn about the lives lived by racehorses both before and during their time in racing. What did they experience? What was their routine? Are there aspects from a horse’s racing career that will help riders better understand their horse when it comes to being retrained?

To register and to be in the draw to win a signed copy of Heroic Animals, click here: Session 1: Wednesday 2^nd December, 7pm; ‘A Racehorse's Life Before Retraining’

Thanks to the support of the Horserace Betting Levy Board, the RoR Virtual Showcase is free to view. Each session will feature exclusive video footage and will be streamed through Zoom and Facebook. The Showcase consists of four evening sessions with a range of expert panellists spread across the first three weeks of December. By registering viewers can submit their own questions to the panel.

Session 1: Wednesday 2^nd December, 7pm; ‘A Racehorse's Life Before Retraining’ Register now for this session here.

Session 2: Tuesday 8^th December, 7pm; ‘Sourcing, Assessment and Early Retraining’ Register now for this session here.

Session 3: Wednesday 9^th December, 7pm: ‘Versatility and Suitability’ Register now for this session here.

Session 4: Wednesday 16^th December, 7pm: 'Retrained, Results and Rewards' Register now for this session here.

Registration is free and open to all. The sessions are for anyone with an interest in retraining former racehorses or considering rehoming one, with advice and feedback that caters for all levels, from grassroots to elite.