by Jo McKinnon
Golden Slipper (Gr 1, 1200m)- winning trainer Gary Portelli has been inspired to call on Racing NSW to develop an annual competition series for retired thoroughbreds rich in prize-money after his experience as an official judge at the Thoroughbred Spring Fair held at Hawkesbury Showground last weekend.
Trainer Gary Portelli sashing Panalley and Hannah Cross
A Royal Show level rider himself growing up, Portelli said he was highly impressed by the event and the sheer number of horses that lined up for the various categories in the competition.
“It was so refreshing to see all these thoroughbreds together in an area where they can all be competing against each other. The riders put so much work into them and love their horse,” said Portelli.
Currently, many racehorses in NSW are retired to various Racing NSW-owned properties throughout the state, with some never finding suitable homes and so spend the rest of their years idle in paddocks.
Portelli believes by creating a robust circuit of events for retired thoroughbreds only, a better future could lie ahead for those horses that cannot compete to the same level against purpose-bred horses, such as warmbloods, in the showjumping, dressage, and show arenas.
“Imagine Racing NSW putting up $100,000 in prize-money at the shows, then people would be more inspired to chase these horses up and get them out of the paddocks and target them for competitions, knowing they are not going to be beaten by a warmblood.
“It will also help relieve the huge feed bill Racing NSW pays by making sure more horses are rehomed,” he said.
An astonishing 139 thoroughbreds competed in 857 led, saddle and showjumping classes at last Sunday’s Thoroughbred Spring Fair, which is the brainchild of long-time show competitor Rebecca Brown, who has been responsible for rehoming more than 800 former Hong Kong-trained horses.
“My whole concept of this when I had a blank piece of paper and asked John Size to help me get it started with funding, was that even if it rehired five to ten extra horses that would be great and, no matter what level you are, you can win rugs and prizes and enjoy your horse.
“That’s what the show is about,” said Brown. Sky Racing presenter
Ally Mosley competed at the event on her retired gelding ‘Gerry’, an unnamed Choisir (Danehill Dancer) gelding she inherited from Magic Millions and Baramul Stud supremo Gerry Harvey.
At what was their debut show appearance, Gerry and Ally enjoyed success as the pair won the Hunter Newcomer class.
“The best part of the day was seeing how many off-the-track thoroughbreds were there and presented in such wonderful order. “Working with Gerry and retraining him after his racing career has been the most rewarding experience. Watching him grow and flourish in a new career and even take home ribbons, is indescribable,” said Mosley