news Musselburgh Racecourse joins Horses for Courses programme as four Ambassadors head to RoR National Championships

An exciting new initiative launched by Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) this year aims to show how former racehorses are cared for after their racing career ends. As part of the RoR Horses for Courses programme supported by Godolphin, five Jockey Club and several independent racecourses have announced their first equine ambassadors to promote and appear at selected racedays.

Musselburgh Racecourse is the latest racecourse to join the scheme having appointed Nine Altars as their equine ambassador. In April 2023, the 14-year-old gelding retired from racing after running in 38 races while in training with Elizabeth Dun. Charlotte Dun partnered Nine Altars regularly throughout his racing career, and is now retraining him for his second career in an array of disciplines.

As the season progresses, each course will actively promote their ambassador’s second career on their communication channels regardless of whether they are competing or simply a beloved member of the family. As a result, the racing industry can convey to the public the quality of life that former racehorses experience as well as educate them on the variety of career options available to them at retirement.

A number of our ambassadors have been busy either at the racecourse or competing during the season, including Duke of Navan, Carlisle's ambassador, and Kelly Harding, who recently won their first dressage competition as well as attended their first meet and greet on Bell and Plate Day. Also out and about, Aintree’s ambassador Definitly Red performed brilliantly for the first time under a ride judge at the Great Yorkshire Show whilst Wetherby Racecourse’s ambassador Wemyss Point and Beth Hutchinson competed in their second ridden show and finished second and third respectively in the RoR Tattersalls Showing Classes..

Along with Definitly Red and Duke of Navan, Wemyss Point will join Hexham’s ambassador Takingrisks at The Jockey Club RoR National Championships, the biggest event in Great Britain for showcasing the versatility and adaptability of the thoroughbred. Held at Aintree on August 23^rd to 26^th featuring 64 classes across a range of disciplines all exclusively for former racehorses.

Meanwhile in the last month, Ascot Racecourse’s ambassador, Side Glance and Leanne White enjoyed a trip to the beach with her godson Charlie and racegoers attending Sandown Racecourse’s showcase Coral Eclipse Festival enjoyed a bespoke Horses For Courses display wall featuring their ambassador – all time favourite National Hunt legend, Sire De Grugy.

Follow the progress of all RoR Horses For Courses on our website HERE or follow the racecourses involved (Aintree, Ascot, Carlisle, Chester, Exeter, Goodwood, Haydock Park, Hexham, Sandown Park and Wetherby) to find out when they will be on course at racedays around the country.