The Australian Turf Club’s charitable arm the ATC Foundation will start a search for a Sydney thoroughbred to be rehomed and retrained as a Paralympic athlete.
In partnership with Equine Pathways Australia, a group of horses ending their careers on the track will be selected from ATC stables before one is sponsored by the ATC Foundation for retraining as an elite equestrian competitor.
The unique program will aim to see a retired racehorse compete in 2028 in Los Angeles and 2032 in Brisbane.
The first horses selected will need to pass several suitability tests and meet a range of criteria. This includes being trained at an ATC track including Royal Randwick, Rosehill Gardens and Warwick Farm and must be a 5 year old thoroughbred before a final horse is awarded a scholarship and begins a 12-18 month retraining program.
ATC Foundation Chair Angela Belle McSweeney said horses trained on ATC racecourses would be the focus of the search.
“Horses are the number one stars of our sport and their welfare and care is an unequivocal priority of the ATC,’’ Ms McSweeney said.
“Through the work and funding of the ATC Foundation we are delighted to offer this opportunity to extend the careers of ex racehorses.
“We look forward to the search and selection process and ultimately seeing a Sydney thoroughbred compete for Australia.’’
Julia Battams, Founder and Program Executive Manager of Equine Pathways Australia, said:
“This partnership between the ATC Foundation and Equine Pathways Australia creates opportunities for emerging para-equestrians to make their dream a reality on the world stage.
“Thoroughbreds are amazingly versatile, and racehorses have experience and temperament to handle a variety of circumstances, along with the empathy to connect in a truly special way with a rider with disability.
Applications can be submitted through the ATC website on Rehoming Project – Australian Turf Club.
AUSTRALIAN TURF CLUB MEDIA CONTACT:
Brett de Vine
0419 613 455
bdevine@theATC.com.au