Sport
25 December, 2022
New program giving ex-racehorses a second chance
RACING Queensland’s Off-The-Track (QOTT) Acknowledged Retrainers Program is giving local ex-racehorses a chance at a new life after racing.
The program, which commenced earlier this year, supports retired Thoroughbred and Standardbred horses to transition from racing into second careers such as pleasure, therapy or performance horses.
It pairs the retired horse with a qualified retrainer, known as an Acknowlegded Retrainer.
The Acknowledged Retrainer works to retrain the animal for a new career according to its natural abilities.
They then match the animal with a suitable new owner who can also take advantage of QOTT’s Subsidised Lessons Program to continue their animal’s development.
Rebecca Henry, President of the Redlynch Equestrian Association and FNQ’s only QOTT Acknowledged Retrainer said it is Queensland Racing’s best program.
“I think it’s the best thing I’ve seen for the fact that they’re trying to get the horses off the track, through a retraining program and then have to the Subsidised Lessons Program to back it up to make sure that horses are ready for a new career with the new owner,” Ms Henry said.
Queensland Racing established the Acknowledged Retrainers Program in response to the Martin Inquiry, an independent inquiry into animal cruelty in the management of retired Thoroughbred and Standardbred horses, commissioned by the State Government.
As part of the program, Racing Queensland reimburses the trainer for costs associated with retraining animals including veterinary work and rehoming expenses.
Racing Queensland’s Senior Animal Care Manager Kim Duffy said Acknowledged Retrainers are recognised for their ability to successfully retrain animals with 88 exracehorses accepted into the program since inception.
“QOTT Acknowledged Retrainers have gained their ‘QOTT Acknowledged Retrainer’ status based on being held in high regard within the racing industry, as well as for their skill, experience and track record in successfully retraining and rehoming Thoroughbred or Standardbred horses,” Ms Duffy said.
People interested in owning an ex-racehorse can find out more about the program by contacting Ms Henry at www.rebeccahenry.com or on the QOTT website.
