news Former racehorses raise money on virtual racecourse ride

• Over £2,000 raised for Retraining of Racehorses (RoR)

Since 25^th July an intrepid group of RoR members and their former racehorses have been taking on the challenge of riding a total of 90 miles, the equivalent of hacking between the four central racecourses Uttoxeter, Wolverhampton, Warwick and Stratford. The challenge had to be completed before Saturday 4^th September.

The Virtual Racecourse Sponsored Ride was designed to raise funds by accumulating miles when hacking, whether it be on beach rides, fun rides or even long reining. Each completed mile was recorded via a tracking app and submitted to RoR’s regional co-ordinator and organiser, Karen Beaumont.

In all, 22 RoR members and their former racehorses took part in the challenge and combined they covered 17,65 miles. We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of those who covered all 90 miles with a parade here today at Stratford.

Di Arbuthnot, Chief Executive of Retraining of Racehorses (RoR), added: “Congratulations to all involved. It’s a fantastic initiative and something we can build on in the future. Our sincere thanks to all those who took part.”

The parade of former racehorses will take place during racing at 12.15pm and features:

Greenworldsolution – ridden by Janine Day
9-year-old, formerly trained by Jennie Candlish, ran 16 times under NH rules

Viaduct Jack – ridden by Laura Baxter
12-year-old, formerly trained by Cherry Coward, ran under rules and in Point to Points

Julie Prince – ridden by Tracy Drover
15-year-old, formerly trained by Brendan Powell, ran 19 times, winning once

Koeleria – ridden by Toni Heathcote

20-year-old, by Bluegrass Prince, raced in Germany and Holland

Tales of Milan – ridden by Laura Johnson

14-year-old, formerly trained by Phil Middleton, ran 41 times, winning five races

Julier Pass – ridden by Rachel Wilson

12-year-old, formerly trained by Tony McWilliams, ran seven times on the flat

Bogsnog – ridden by Sarah Newell

11-year-old, formerly trained by Ruth Carr, ran 80 times, winning nine races

Brandy Alexander – ridden by Jo Turner

13-year-old, formerly trained by Richard Hannon and then Neil Mulholland, ran six times