news RoR Parade at Cheltenham Highlights the Second Careers of Former Racehorses

A spectacular showcase of former racehorses is set to take place at Cheltenham Racecourse as part of the highly anticipated Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) parade. The parade takes place at 11.48 on day two of the November meeting, aptly named Countryside Day, and features seven former racehorses who have undergone a remarkable transformation in their second careers. Among the line-up are a Grand National winner, a Gold Cup winner, and several former Cheltenham Festival winners.

Set to make his RoR debut during this weekend's parade is Bristol De Mai, who recently retired in February 2023 after a stellar racing career amassing over £900,000 when trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies. Since March, he has been settling into his new life with his rider, Clare Alexander, and has been autumn hunting with the Kent and Surrey Bloodhounds.

Moon Racer, a racing legend, achieved a remarkable victory at the 2015 Cheltenham Festival, transitioning to hurdling and defeating Tote Gold Trophy winner Ballyandy in Perth twice and Cheltenham, notably in the Grade 2 Sharps Hurdle.

Coneygree, a leading staying chaser of his generation and the champion of the 2015 Cheltenham Gold Cup, gracefully retired from racing in February 2019. His transition to life beyond racing was remarkably smooth. Under the expert retraining by Sara Bradstock, Coneygree has excelled in RoR showing classes and even secured a spot in the finals of the Tattersalls RoR Show Series at Hickstead.

Completing the parade's star-studded line-up is Aso, Hazel Hill, Minella Rebellion and Pineau De Re.

David Catlow, Managing Director of RoR added: "The line-up of horses set to parade at Cheltenham is truly exceptional, not just for their past track achievements, but for the success they've found in their new roles. They stand as a testament to the dedication of their owners and riders, who have retrained them, granting these remarkable animals a fresh career and a renewed sense of purpose."

The RoR parade at Cheltenham exemplifies the incredible versatility of thoroughbreds and the diverse array of opportunities available to former racehorses once they retire from racing.

***ENDS***

Notes for Editors
For more information, please contact Vicky Vine, Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications, at RoR, vvine@ror.org.uk or telephone 07467 182825.

About Retraining of Racehorses (RoR)
Founded in 2000, Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) is British Horseracing's official charity for the welfare of horses who have retired from racing. We believe every former racehorse deserves a life well lived throughout every stage of their life. For more information visit www.ror.org.uk

RoR Cheltenham Parade

The RoR Parade takes place at Cheltenham Racecourse on Saturday 18 November, 11.48-11.59. The full line-up includes:

ASO – ridden by Laura Tylor
13-year-old by Goldneyev, formerly trained by Venetia Williams
Breeder – I Pacault, A Pacault & M Pacaul

BRISTOL DE MAI – ridden by Clare Alexander
12-year-old by Saddlers Maker, formerly trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies
Breeder -Jean-Yves Touzaint

CONEYGREE - ridden by Sara Bradstock
16-year-old by Karinga Bay, formerly trained by Mark Bradstock
Breeder - Lord Oaksey

MOON RACER – ridden by Juliette Huckstep
14-year-old by Saffron Walden, formerly trained by David Pipe
Breeder Denis and Teresa Bergin

HAZEL HILL ridden by Jane Williams
15-year-old by Milan, formerly trained by Philip Rowley
Breeder – Patrick Rowley

MINELLA REBELLION - ridden by Katie Dashwood
11-year-old by King’s Theatre, formerly trained by Nicky Henderson
Breeder – Sunnyhill Stud

PINEAU DE RE - ridden by Molly Johnstone-Ellis
20-year-old gelding by Maresca Sorrento, formerly trained by Dr Richard Newland
Breeder – Michel Hardy