RoR parade set to shine at Dubai Future Champions Festival
On Saturday 11 October, the Dubai Future Champions Festival at Newmarket Racecourse will feature an inspiring Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) parade in the parade ring from 12.30 to 12.45pm. The parade will celebrate the versatility and adaptability of former racehorses, highlighting the wide range of second career opportunities available to them after their racing days.
All the horses taking part are Godolphin Lifetime Care graduates, demonstrating the success of the programme in supporting Thoroughbreds as they transition into fulfilling second careers.
Leading the nine-horse parade is African Jazz, a ten-year-old gelding trained by Charlie Appleby, who achieved two victories during his racing career before retiring in 2019. Now ridden by Abi Sole, African Jazz has excelled in showing, dressage, and eventing. African Jazz will also be at the Hyperion Lawn during the first two races to meet racegoers, giving fans the chance to see him up close after the parade.
Also featured is Blair House, a Group 1 winner also trained by Charlie Appleby. Blair House now serves as an ambassador for Godolphin’s Lifetime Care programme, taking part in community visits that bring joy to local schools and hospitals, and demonstrating the positive impact racehorses can have beyond the track.
Other notable participants include Mischief Magic, a globetrotter who won six races for Godolphin; Major Partnership, a ten-year-old gelding; Saint Gregoire, who is excelling in dressage under Louise Robson; and Scarf, an 18-year-old gelding now competing in side-saddle and formation riding, recently crowned Ridden Retrained Racehorse Champion 2025 at Equifest.
David Catlow, Managing Director of RoR, said: “This event showcases highly skilled horses, many of whom have excelled on the racecourse and are now thriving in new careers. We are grateful to Dubai and Newmarket for supporting our mission to promote Thoroughbred aftercare and educate the public about the diverse opportunities available to retired racehorses.”
The RoR parade aims to educate racegoers about second career options and highlight the need for continued support and resources, as outlined in the RoR Strategy 2024–2026, to ensure the long-term wellbeing of retired racehorses.
Full parade line-up:
- African Jazz
- Blair House
- Major Partnership
- Mischief Magic
- Scarf
- Saint Gregoire
- Summerghand
- Vancouverite
- Barracuda Boy
Notes for editors
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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