News Success for RoR Teams at the Endurance GB Championships

With its spectacular setting of rolling hills across the Cambrian mountains in Wales, The British Horse Feeds and Golden Paste Red Dragon Festival of Endurance took place from 30^th September to 2^nd October 2022.

The prestigious event, which has been a favourite on the endurance calendar for over 30 years saw over 300 horse rider combinations compete across the three days. This was the first year that RoR entered teams of former racehorses who had qualified to compete against other national clubs including riding and pony clubs.

Just 4.5km from the start of the 34km route, the route takes riders over the legendary feature climb over the 400-metre Aberedw Hill. After tackling this, competitors ride out onto a spectacular grass covered plateau and onto mountain trails displaying the real test of both horse and rider.

Two club teams represented RoR having qualified at the EGB Cirencester ride earlier in the summer. Team Newmarket and Team Middleham both were generously sponsored by the Sir Peter O’Sullevan Trust.

Team Middleham secured third place and included Samantha Tomlinson with Lilbourne Prince and Joanne Rowcroft aboard her 5-year-old gelding Moonbootz, who generated over £8,000 in prize money when trained with Karl Burke.

The final two combinations that make up Team Middleham were Alison Staveley-Smith aboard Pendantic and Amanda Hamley with More Salutes. This year was More Salutes first ever endurance season and the pair have completed several successful competitive graded rides from 24k-34k, being placed in the top three for most.

Team Newmarket finished in fifth position with their team compromising of Jess Brown aboard Derricks Dotty, Daryl Brown with Fleeting View and Hayley Gilmore with her 12-year-old gelding Art Mauresque who enjoyed a successful National Hunt career, winning nine races under rules and in excess of £100,000 before being retired in December 2020.

Sam Thomlison and the 9-year-old gelding Lilbourne Prince were awarded the RoR Bronze award and also received first place for the Performance Formula Award in her class. Son of a Group 1 sprint stallion, Lilbourne Prince was formerly trained by David Evans and he competed his ride of 34km with ease, finishing his ride of 34k with an impressive resting heart rate of 38 beats per minute.

RoR Chief Executive, Di Arbuthnot said: “Huge thanks to all those involved and for showcasing the versatility and adaptability of former racehorses whilst highlighting what they can achieve once their racing days come to an end.”

“We have to give credit to each of the riders, the sheer work, time and care going into these former racehorses to make them able to complete each ride is fantastic to see.”

Demonstrating the condition and fitness of the horses, Hayley Gilmore, Alison Staveley- Smith, Jo Rowcroft and Amanda Hamley received the best turned out awards.