RoR Horses For Courses News
Horses for Courses ambassadors shine at the start of summer
The RoR Horses for Courses ambassadors, both old and new, have been active over the past few months, showcasing the versatility and talent of former racehorses through a variety of activities.
Horses for Courses proudly introduced Native River as the new ambassador for Exeter Racecourse. Known as Garfield at home, this former Gold Cup winner has been busy competing in showing competitions this season, not only qualifying for the Horse of the Year show but also winning in the Tattersalls RoR Amateur Ridden Show Series Final at Hickstead.
Newmarket Racecourse welcomed Katie Jerram-Hunnable, her husband Chris, and their team of former racehorses as their new Horses for Courses ambassadors (read more here). This partnership kicked off with a bang when Barbers Shop, bred and owned by the late Queen Elizabeth II, was greeted by over 300 primary school children during a visit to Newmarket’s July Course as part of the Racing to School scheme.
Takingrisks made an appearance on a sunny day at Hexham Racecourse, delighting the public with a walk around the paddock during their family fun day. The ambassador enjoyed meeting and greeting racegoers, adding a special touch to the event. Meanwhile Carlisle Racecourse's ambassador, Duke of Navan, also embraced his parading duties by donning a Batman outfit for their superhero raceday. His presence was a highlight for many attendees. Our Scottish Ambassador Nine Altars made a visit to a hugely busy family day at Musselburgh racecourse where he had a great time meeting racegoers and munching on the polos and carrots they offered.
Ascot Racecourse’s ambassador, Side Glance, impressed in a photoshoot for their Royal Ascot campaign and featured in the Ascot on-track magazine, which included an article about his life at home with owner, Leanne. Side Glance was also invited to the Goffs London Sale to parade and engage with the public.
The racecourse also announced their second Horses for Courses ambassador, Trip To Paris, who made his debut by attending Parallel Windsor, a festival of challenge events for all ages, health conditions and abilities, which was held on the Long Walk of Windsor Great Park. Read all about it here.
York Racecourse has a long-standing association with New Beginnings and their ambassador, Goldream (Remy). Horses for Courses will follow Remy and his appearances, along with four new social media ambassadors: Nakeeta, Top Notch Tonto, Alpha Delphi, and Mr Lupton. These horses, who have enjoyed successful racing careers, especially at York, are now excelling in their new pursuits. Fans can follow their journeys via social media posts from York Racecourse.
The Horses for Courses ambassadors are excelling in promoting the talents and versatility of former racehorses. We wish them a successful summer and look forward to seeing them at their respective racecourses soon.
York Racecourse’s ambassador Remy joins RoR Horses For Courses along with four other York favourites
MONDAY 13 MAY 2024
The equine ambassador to York Racecourse, Goldream (aka Remy), who inspired the RoR Horses for Courses initiative, will be officially joining the programme this year, giving valuable profile to the aftercare of former racehorses.
Starting at this week’s Dante Festival, Remy will appear at fixtures throughout the 2024 season along with New Beginnings, the charitable aftercare partner to the track. They’ll be based in an enclosure just beyond the winning post and will continue to carry out community visits as well.
Furthermore, York has announced that four other equine stars will also be joining the initiative, each with a special connection to the Knavesmire. Previous winner of the Group 1 Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes Alpha Delphini, Sky Bet Ebor winner Nakeeta, as well as prolific York campaigners Mr Lupton and Top Notch Tonto will all be appearing on York’s social media channels with updates on how they are getting on in their second careers both at home and out competing.
William Derby, Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course at York Racecourse said: “The horses are racing’s biggest stars and we’re looking forward to celebrating the achievements of our ambassadors, not just on the track but importantly in their lives after racing. Our team is excited to share their stories and show our audiences the valued and varied lives that racehorses go on to enjoy long after they’ve left the track.”
David Catlow, Managing Director of RoR said: “We are delighted that York is joining Horses for Courses. Through the work with Goldream, they have really led the way in terms of working with an equine ambassador and we look forward to seeing how they can share a range of aftercare stories from the other horses who have joined the Horses for Courses programme.
“Every day, we see the powerful impact that former racehorses have on people's lives, and racecourses have an important role in conveying positive messages about the high standard of aftercare in British racing to racegoers and beyond to the wider public.
“We are very grateful to all the racecourses and horse owners who have embraced the scheme so far and we hope that Horses for Courses is proving an effective vehicle to help the industry promote its commitment to aftercare. We also recognise Godolphin who provided some valuable funding to facilitate the launch of Horses for Courses.”
New Horses For Courses ambassadors announced
Sleepy Haven for Bangor-on-Dee, Fortunate George for Wincanton and Step Back for Sandown
April was a bumper month for RoR’s Horses For Courses initiative, supported by Godolphin, as we welcomed three new equine ambassadors to the scheme. They have spent the month meeting racegoers and promoting RoR’s vital message of aftercare.
Kicking off the roster of new ambassadors was Sleepy Haven, affectionately known as Noddy, who trotted into the limelight at Bangor-on-Dee racecourse. With a charming introduction video shared across social media, fans were introduced to Noddy and his owner Lily Durning. Formerly trained by Jennie Candlish, Noddy won over hurdles during his only appearance at Bangor. With his endearing personality and love for attention, Noddy was right at home mingling with families during his racecourse debut on 20 April.
Meanwhile, Wincanton racecourse welcomed their new ambassador Fortunate George into the fold. Previously trained by Emma Lavelle, George, along with his owner Juanita, delighted spectators parading during Wincanton’s Family Fun Day on 21 April. Fans, including members of George’s old syndicate, relished seeing him happy and content at the venue where he clinched his maiden victory.
As April drew to a close, Sandown Park hosted the Jump Season Finale, headlined by the bet365 Gold Cup. The prestigious event provided the perfect stage for Sandown to introduce Step Back, a former bet365 Gold Cup champion, as their latest ambassador for Horses For Courses. Trained by the Bradstock family, Step Back retired at the end of last year and has just embarked on his retraining journey remaining in their care.
Step Back seized the spotlight at Sandown, captivating the audience and even making an appearance on ITV Racing. The racecourse plans to follow Step Back’s journey as he transitions from the racetrack to his new career.
With these new ambassadors, RoR’s Horses For Courses scheme continues its mission to ensure the welfare and aftercare of former racehorses is showcased to a wide audience.
If you are a racecourse interested in linking up with an RoR ambassador, or have a horse you believe would make a good match with a local racecourse then please get in touch with Becci Thompson for more information.