Grand National winner returns to the track

The 2009 Grand National winner Mon Mome will be doing his part for the Retraining of Racehorses (ROR) charity by taking part in the first ever ROR Racecourse to Racecourse ride on the August 23.

The Charity Ride

The 16.5 mile ride will start from Stratford Racecourse through the picturesque villages of Shottery, Wilmcote, Aston Cantlow and Norton Lindsay finishing at Warwick Racecourse, one of the oldest in the country and where Mon Mome coincidentally ran his last race in 2013.

The route has been planned specifically by Central regional Coordinator Karen Beaumont, and will be primarily along lanes for walking with some trotting included.

Karen came up with the idea to raise awareness of the work the charity does for horses that have retired from racing and she will be taking her own retired racehorse Coverdale Lady.

Karen commented: “The idea of riding from racecourse to racecourse is primarily to highlight the success and adaptability of some of the 10,500 former racehorses now registered with RoR enjoying success with second careers and life after racing.”

Fans of the idea

IIona Barnett, the racecourse manager at Stratford Racecourse is a big fan of the retrained racehorse and is delighted to be involved with this ride.

She goes on to say: “The event highlights the many uses racehorses have after they have finished their racing careers.

“I personally have always owned and know how they are suited to all disciplines.”

Mrs Barnett also says there is the possibility of a free ticket to a day at the races at Stratford Racecourse for each rider who participates.

Huw Williams, the General manager of Warwick Racecourse is equally as excited to be a part of this event, saying: “We too are delighted to be supporting the first ROR racecourse to racecourse ride and look forward to Mon Mome and all the ROR horses and riders here.

“As a Jockey Club Racecourse, we take the welfare of Racehorses after they retire from horse racing seriously in line with our mission to act for the good of the sport and it is therefore great to be involved in this initiative to help raise funds and awareness of the charities work.”

Want to join in?

If you want to be part of the RoR ride you must complete a booking form, available to download online and return from August 7 with an initial £30 in sponsorship to secure participation.

For more information about the RoR Racecourse to Racecourse ride click here: www.ror.org.uk. To donate please visit www.justgiving.com or TEXT RORS23 £5 to 70070