Jockey’s weight (stone and Ibs

POLO - FINAL SPRING - ridden by Chris Milton

9-year-old mare by Zebedee Formerly trained by Jim Goldie Breeder: Miss Mary Davison

Polo has long been a second career option for former racehorses but the popularity of thoroughbreds in polo has increased in recent years. The best polo prospects tend to be smaller ex-flat horses and they are often mares. In six starts, Final Spring only once managed to finish in front of another horse, but that has not stopped her being a success in her second career. She began her journey into polo in 2018 and moved to current rider Chris Milton the following year. Now one of Chris’s professional playing string, Final Spring is a powerful horse, not afraid to take contact in ride-offs, while always staying light and nibble on her feet through stops and turns. Chris says: “Final Spring has a wonderful nature, always keeping a level head on the field, and is a firm favourite on the yard. Next season Final Spring will continue her polo career with a view to playing better and better polo as her experience continues to grow.”

SHOW JUMPING - GAUL WOOD – ridden by Debbie Heise

13-year-old gelding by Amadeus Wood Formerly trained by Tom Dascombe Breeder: Patrick J Monahan

Requiring a stride pattern the opposite of that which a horse uses when racing, show jumping is not the easiest discipline for former racehorses to adapt to. However, many have turned their ‘hoof’ to it successfully. Gaul Wood retired from racing in 2013 having won three races on the flat. He arrived at Debbie Heise’s in spring 2014 and the pair have since formed a fantastic partnership. They finished second in their first affiliated British Show-jumping class in July 2014 and have had consistent results ever since, with the highlight coming this summer when they won the 1m Open at the Royal International at Hickstead. They went on to win the RoR Bronze League at the BS National Championships in August. Debbie says: “Gaul Wood is everyone’s favourite, full of personality and is a gentle kind soul. His previous owners are still in contact and love to watch his progress. He is our horse of a lifetime and we are privileged to have him.”

SHOWING - LIMATO – ridden by Katie Jerram-Hunnable

10-year-old by Tagula Formerly trained by Henry Candy Breeder – Seamus Phelan

After dressage, showing is the most popular second career activity for retired racehorses with over 5,000 registered on the RoR database as competitors in showing events. With the support of Tattersalls, RoR stages 170 showing classes exclusively for thoroughbreds annually nationwide from Aberdeenshire to Cornwall. A former top-class sprinter and the winner of an amazing 14 of his 33 races, including the 2016 July Cup, Limato has been in the care of renowned showing producer Katie Jerram-Hunnable since he retired from racing in autumn 2020. Having settled into his new career, Limato is enjoying life in the show ring. This year Katie and Limato qualified for the Tattersalls RoR Show Series Final at Hickstead, finished runner-up at the Royal Windsor Horse Show and won a class at The Jockey Club RoR National Championships at Aintree in August. His supportive owner Paul Jacobs continues to monitor and enjoy his progress.