News

Friday, November 16, 2012Contact: Robin Mounsey
+02071520048
Retraining of Racehorses publishes 2012 Annual Report and film

  • An additional 1,500 horses registered in 2012
  • 7,335 horses now registered in total, with 4,000 registered to enter the Retraining of Racehorses’ series of competitions across a range of equestrian disciplines
  • Unique video film published showing the successes of ex-racehorses enjoying life after racing

    Retraining of Racehorses (RoR), British Horseracing’s official charity for the welfare of horses who have retired from racing, today publishes a review of the year so far with its 2012 Report. RoR’s 2012 Report provides an informative review of a wide range of the charity's work, including events and competitions, education and training and other key RoR activities over the past year.

    The RoR Annual Report can be downloaded from the link attached to this release.

    RoR has also published a film showcasing the successes and real-life stories of former racehorses who have been retrained and are enjoying life after racing . The video also includes footage from RoR’s championship series’ in showing, eventing, polo, dressage and show jumping with contributions from well-known racing and equestrian personalities. To view the video visit here.

    Di Arbuthnot, RoR Chief Executive, said:

    “It’s been a fantastic year for equestrian sport generally and we are delighted to use the RoR’s Annual Report to highlight the incredible achievements, dedication and hard work of all those involved in educating, retraining and providing support for ex-racehorses. The success of the ex-racehorse in other equestrian disciplines continues to go from strength to strength. “

    Notes to Editors:

    1. RoR was established in 2000 as British Horseracing’s official charity for the welfare of horses who have retired from racing.
    2. RoR supports five Charitable Centres for the care, retraining, and rehoming of former race horses across the UK: Greatwood, HEROS, Moorcroft, TRC and Hollesley Bay. It makes ad hoc grants to other homing organisations
    3. RoR 2012 grants to these centres total £445,000. Together in 2011 they rehomed 240 ex-racehorses, of which 145 were new horses out of training being rehomed for the first time. This was an increase of +10% on 2010.
    4. RoR will spend £181,000 in 2012 on an educational and training programme, creating demand for the ex-racehorse through sponsored competitions, events, workshops, clinics and lectures.
    5. RoR’s event and competition programme has been hugely successful. To date in 2012 total registrations of eligible horses and riders reached 7,335. An increase of over 1,500 registrations in one year.
    6. RoR organises Parades of famous ex-racehorses at major race meetings demonstrating their adaptability in their new careers.
    7. RoR is self-funded through the racing industry. Income for 2012 is forecast to be £620,000. 30% of this income comes from investment returns on generous gifts made by the Mellon Trust and Sheikh Mohammed. 30% is contributed by owners through the ROA from contributions in entry fees, 15% by race courses, 8% from the Horseracing & Betting Levy Board, the remaining 17% from Bookmakers, Breeders, Jockeys, Legacies, Trainers, Transporters, Weatherbys and Auctioneers.
    8. RoR provides extensive advice to potential new owners of ex-racehorses, and details of how to source an ex-racehorse on its website www.ror.org.uk
    9. RoR’s website had over 80,000 visitors in 2012. Particularly popular the “Care & Retraining” section and “Ask the Expert” helpline. A series of training DVDs has also been produced featuring World Class Performance Manager, Yogi Breisner.
    10. RoR has a small executive staff, supported by the BHA, and relies heavily on unpaid Trustees appointed by a cross-section of the racing industry’s bodies including: BHA, NTF, RCA, ROA and TBA.
  • For additional information, please visit britishhorseracing.presscentre.com/Press-Releases/Retraining-of-Racehorses-publishes-2012-Annual-Rep

    E-Mail : rmounsey@britishhorseracing.com