The first Journee de la Reconversion des Chevaux des Course (the Retrained Racehorse Day) will be held at Deauville-La Touques racecourse Aug. 27, announced newly formed charitable association Au-Dela des Pistes (Beyond the Tracks), a joint initiative between Godolphin and The Aga Khan's Studs. The event will promote the varied disciplines that Thoroughbreds have been effectively retrained for, including polo, dressage, show-jumping, eventing, horse-ball, or as a schoolmaster in a riding school. The racecourse will open at 1:30 p.m. local time, and an eight-race card will be on tap, including a race named to honour the occasion, the Prix de la Reconversion des Chevaux des Course.
Retraining racehorse ambassadors, champion jockey Christophe Soumillon, Olympian and three-day eventer Nicolas Touzaint and champion polo player Pierre-Henri N'Goumou, will also be on hand and will demonstrate the various steps involved in the retraining process to the public. Fan-favorite Cirrus Des Aigles (Fr)–who was rehomed by Soumillon–will participate in a parade of equine celebrities, with African Story (GB) and Prince Bishop (Ire), among others, also making an appearance. A drawing to ride on a retrained Thoroughbred will also be held, with the fortunate winners taking a turn around the parade ring. Spectators can also gather information on the processes of rehoming and retraining racehorses, with the option to become a member of one of the groups dedicated to the cause. Several organizations will be on hand to answer questions, including the Welfare Department of France Galop, Au-dela des Pistes, Ecurie Second Chance and the Ligue Francaise pour la Protection du Cheval.
Au-Dela des Pistes was formed in 2016 through a joint initiative between Godolphin and The Aga Khan's Studs to promote the Thoroughbred as a horse capable of adapting to a second career, raise awareness among horse fans and racing professionals alike, endorse structures that ensure acceptable standards of aftercare for retired racehorses, and raise funds for crisis situations.
“I believe that when we love horses, like I do, when we love all equestrian sports, like I do, when you're a former show-jumper turned Thoroughbred breeder, it is only natural to become involved in the retraining of racehorses,” said Aliette Forien, President of Au-Dela des Pistes and part-owner of Haras de la Reboursiere et de Montaigu. “I am extremely honoured to be nominated to the post of President of Au-Dela des Pistes and I wold like to thank most sincerely Godolphin and The Aga Khan's Studs for having been the impulsion behind this initiative. The Retrained Racehorse Day is an unprecedented event which will allow race fans to discover the incredible versatility of the Thoroughbred, and to overcome some existing prejudices against the breed. In addition, it's a collective effort which brings together trainers, jockeys, stable staff and all riders and unifies them around the one thing we all have in common: the love of the horse.”
Added Elizabeth Doumen, an accomplished rider, and successful breeder, who was appointed Ambassador for Horse Welfare by Edouard de Rothschild, President of France Galop, “Thoroughbred aftercare has been a cause close to my heart for a very long time, and I am delighted to see how the cause has been taken up by France Galop, as well as industry professionals–notably in the creation of Au-Dela des Pistes. The Retrained Racehorse Day will allow both racing fans and equestrians to see Thoroughbreds in a completely different light. The event will bring together horse lovers from across the spectrum and can only have a positive impact on broadening the appeal of retired racehorses.”
For more information on Au-Dela des Pistes, please go to facebook.com/audeladespistes/ or twitter.com/audeladespistes/.
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