We’re a week out from the Thoroughbred Sport Horse Association National Titles at Stonewall Equestrian and with some 300 off the track thoroughbreds set to take part in the four day event (May 23 – 26) there are a lot of excited riders out there, me included!
A showcase event for all off the track thoroughbreds, ‘Nationals’ is in it’s third year and will again feature a mix of showjumping, dressage and show horse classes, plus the ever popular ‘Fashions on the Field’.
Last year, $2.8 million earning sprinter Lost and Running made his equestrian debut when taking out the Fashions on the Field, but this year with some training under his belt under the watchful eye of Krissy Harris and her team, the former John O’Shea trained speed star will be back to try his hand in the 75cm showjumping.
He might have been one of the fastest sprinters in the land, but when they take on the challenge of showjumping, our ex-racehorses have to learn control, restraint and the art of being careful before they can start going fast.
For Lost and Running, this show will be about completing the course and having a good experience with former top junior showjumper Aria Baker entrusted with the ride.
Also entered in the 75cm class is the former Joe Pride trained stable favourite Eduardo, who has also made a smooth transition to the equestrian world having competed at the recent Hawkesbury Show with experienced eventing rider Jenny Bennett, who will again take the reins of this $6.6million earner.
Lost and Running and Eduardo famously finished third and fourth in the 2021 Everest won by Nature Strip and while ‘big red’ is sitting this event out while his new owner Kathy O’Hara has her first baby, the progress of these elite sprinters in years to come is going to fascinate their adoring fans from the track!
With sunny weather predicted and warm hospitality at the Maserati VIP Marquee, a visit to ‘Nationals’ is a great day out for competitors and sponsors alike.
This show would not exist without the support of sponsors and Krissy Harris and her team at TSHA would like to thank everyone for their generosity and look forward to welcoming everyone to Stonewall next week.
Graham and Linda Huddy of Peachester Lodge have been right on board with this concept from day one and their continuing commitment to all off the track thoroughbreds and their own team of jumpers is an inspiration for all racehorse owners.
A racing career is a small, but significant part in the life of a racehorse and what happens after that phase in life finishes is the big issue racing needs to address and establishing wide ranging avenues of competition for these horses is an important piece of the puzzle.
Frank and Christine Cook of Mystery Downs are prolific Sydney owners and they too are huge supporters of TSHA and will no doubt be taking a keen interest in Lost and Running, who they also owned a share in during his racing days.
TBA/ Aushorse are on board as sponsors along with Inglis and other key industry sponsors include Gai Waterhouse/ Adrian Bott Racing, Snowden Racing, OTI Racing, Brad Widdup Racing and Nine9 Park, a new spelling and agistment farm at Singleton owned by Sean Dyson and run by former Strawberry Hill Stud Manager, Bridie Sparkes.
Chris Vanek of cryptocurrency exchanges business Swyftx has joined the list of sponsors as well as Maserati’s Phil & Sheridan McCarroll, whose daughter Tilly will be competing at the show.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club are also offering some bonus prizemoney through their Restart off the track after life care program and you can read more about that here.
The Maiden Teams Challenge event has a great list of sponsors that include Breednet, Godolphin Lifetime Care, Coolmore, Newgate Farm, SF Bloodstock, Parrakoola Park and Fernrigg Farm.
Stay tuned for more stories and action from the aftercare world of thoroughbreds next week.
