Grand National winner Pineau De Re, Gold Cup winner Native River and four-time Cheltenham winner Paisley Park will headline the Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Parade on the opening day at the Cheltenham Festival tomorrow.

Pineau De Re, Native River and Paisley Park will be joined in the parade ring on Tuesday 11 March by 11 other ex-racehorses who are all excelling in their second careers including Balthazar King, Bristol De Mai and Coneygree. 

Since retiring from the racetrack in 2016, Pineau De Re has excelled in eventing, hunting, team chasing, dressage, and showing. He was runner-up for RoR Horse of the Year in 2022 and served as a baton bearer for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Native River

Native River has enjoyed much success in the show ring since he retired from racing in 2021 and last year the Irish bred Thoroughbred was crowned the Tattersalls RoR Amateur Show Series Champion at Hickstead.

Paisley Park makes his parade debut

Paisley Park returns to Cheltenham just 12 months since he was retired after completing the Grade 1 Stayers’ Hurdle. The 13-year-old has spent time in the hunting field and is set to contest the Tattersalls RoR Show Series qualifiers later this year. 

Paisley Park

Balthazar King, who finished second behind Pineau De Re in the Grand National in 2014, suffered a crushing fall in the same race the following year, sustaining broken ribs and a punctured lung. He briefly returned to racing before being retired in 2016. The now 21-year-old has turned his hoof to showjumping. 

“This parade showcases a variety of horses, many of whom excelled on the racecourse, while others have found success in their second careers,” said David Catlow, managing director of RoR. 

“Regardless of size, shape, or ability, all are thriving and enjoying active retirements. 

“These parades offer racegoers a firsthand look at the many post-racing opportunities available. 

“While they highlight the care and commitment to retired racehorses in Great Britain, they also emphasise the need for continued support, as outlined in the RoR Strategy 2024-2026, to ensure every former racehorse has the opportunity for a well-supported life beyond racing, whatever path they take.”

Full line up:

  1. Balthazar King – ridden by Michael Andrews 
  2. Bristol De Mai – ridden by Clare Lawes
  3. Coneygree – ridden by Sara Bradstock 
  4. Elegant Escape – ridden by Lily Clothier 
  5. Kemboy – ridden by Rachel Sharp
  6. Melon – ridden by Sophie Candy 
  7. Minella Rebellion – ridden by Katie Dashwood 
  8. Native River and Jazmin Hosgood
  9. Paisley Park – ridden by Gabby Jones
  10. Pineau De Re – ridden by Lizzie Brunt 
  11. Polydamos – ridden by Katy Llewellyn 
  12. Saphir Du Rheu – ridden by Charlotte Alexander 
  13.  Sharjah – ridden by Abbie Hawkins
  14. Wonga Swinger – ridden by Tori Thomas 

Images © Retraining of Racehorses.

Further reading