news The Gemma Potts Glamour Stakes: Fashion, fun, and a cause that matters

The 2025 Jockey Club RoR National Championships at Aintree Equestrian Centre will see the return of a much-loved class with a renewed sense of purpose: The Gemma Potts Glamour Stakes. This fun and inclusive fancy dress class, held during the Saturday evening performance, is open to all RoR members and their former racehorses.

Renamed in support of Gemma Potts, a cherished member of the RoR community, former racehorse owner, and winner of the Glamour Stakes - the class now stands as a vital fundraiser. In 2021, Gemma suffered a life-altering spinal injury at an equestrian event. Following emergency spinal surgery at James Cook University Hospital, she spent months in intensive care, facing a tough and uncertain road ahead.

As of September 2024, Gemma has made remarkable progress and recently returned home after nearly three years in residential care. However, her recovery journey is far from over. She now requires ongoing physical therapy and specialist equipment necessary for her recovery along with a 12-week rehabilitation programme at STEPS Rehabilitation Centre in Sheffield, with a cost of £10,500 per week—totalling £126,000 for the recommended stay.

Gemma Potts added: ‘I am so grateful for the chance to be involved with Retraining of Racehorses. Being at the RoR National Championships with Charlie was one of the best things I ever got to do. A huge thank you to everyone involved for supporting me on my journey."

All proceeds from this year’s Glamour Stakes will go directly towards funding this programme. The class is more than just a competition; it's a powerful show of support from the RoR community, helping one of their own rebuild her independence and quality of life.

The RoR National Championships, taking place from 19–24 August 2025, is Great Britain’s largest event exclusively to former racehorses. The six-day showcase features classes in showing, dressage, and jumping, culminating with the crowning of The Jockey Club RoR Supreme Champion during Saturday’s evening performance.

Gemma’s story is a testament to courage and community spirit. By entering or supporting The Gemma Potts Glamour Stakes, you are contributing to her next chapter—a future made possible through therapy, resilience, and shared kindness.

For further information, and to enter The Gemma Potts Glamour Stakes once entries open, please visit the RoR National Championships page. To support Gemma’s journey and donate directly, head over to her GoFundMe page.

ENDS

Notes for editors
For more information, please contact Toni Levey, Marketing and Communications Executive on tlevey@ror.org.uk or for sponsorship opportunities please contact Becci Thompson on btompson@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