news Tattersalls RoR Showing Series Finals celebrate former racehorse talent at the Royal Highland Show and Hickstead

Last week, the crème de la crème of former racehorses took centre stage in the Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Tattersalls Showing Series, as three prestigious finals unfolded across two of the Great Britain’s most iconic equestrian events: the Royal Highland Show and the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting.

On Thursday 19 June, the Royal Highland Show played hosted the final of the Tattersalls RoR Open Ridden Scottish Show Series, where Rich Man Poor Man, owned by Morean Hamilton and produced by leading show producer Kristine Douglas, reclaimed his title as the 2025 Tattersalls RoR Scottish Champion.

Formerly trained by Philip Kirby, Rich Man Poor Man did not distinguish himself in his five-race National Hunt career. However, since retiring from racing in 2017 to embark on a second career in the show ring, he has flourished. A previous Tattersalls RoR Scottish Champion in 2021, he also secured the title of Supreme Champion at The Jockey Club RoR National Championships in 2022. His latest victory further underscores his remarkable transformation and enduring appeal.

The series then moved south to the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting on Sunday 22 June, where both the Tattersalls RoR Open Ridden Show Series Final and the Tattersalls RoR Amateur Ridden Show Series Final took centre stage before an enthusiastic crowd.

Taking top honours in the Tattersalls RoR Open Ridden Show Series Final were last year’s reserve champions, Festive Fare and Rebecca Court, who delivered a polished and composed performance in the iconic International Arena. Meanwhile, the Tattersalls RoR Amateur Final was won by a one eyed gelding, An Cathaoir, ridden by Victoria Bertorell, whose confident display and strong partnership impressed the judges.

Over 50 former racehorses competed at Hickstead alone, with the finals highlighting the breadth of talent and potential these former racehorses possess — from former flat to seasoned National Hunt campaigners.

David Catlow, Managing Director of RoR, commented: “Tattersalls’ continued support has been key to the success of the RoR Showing Series, providing former racehorses with real opportunities to shine in second careers. It’s a privilege to hold these finals at such prestigious events. The standard this year has been outstanding — a true testament to the dedication of riders, retrainers and owners.”

Alex Mommersteeg, Tattersalls representative, added: “The standard of retraining on display at the RoR finals continues to impress us year after year. It’s incredibly rewarding to see so many former racehorses flourishing in new careers. Tattersalls is proud to support RoR and grateful to everyone who contributes to making the series such a success.”

With over 170 RoR showing qualifiers held annually across Great Britain — from Cornwall to Aberdeenshire — the Tattersalls RoR Showing Series continues to celebrate the versatility and potential of former racehorses. Finals at world-class venues like Hickstead and the Royal Highland Show provide a stage worthy of their talent, reinforcing the growing prominence of these horses within the wider equestrian world.

ENDS

Notes for editors
For more information, please contact Toni Levey, Marketing and Communications Executive on tlevey@ror.org.uk

Retraining of Racehorses
Established in 2000, Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) is committed to safeguarding the welfare of all former racehorses through various preventative measures, including:

• Setting industry standards for retraining former racehorses.
• Providing training and education to owners to build lifelong partnerships with their retired racehorses.
• Promoting the versatility of these horses in various equestrian activities and facilitating their participation in competitions.
• Maintaining a robust tracking system for former racehorses through RoR membership.

RoR also extends support to former racehorses in times of need through its welfare work.

Find out more about our work, please visit www.ror.org.uk