We pride ourselves on putting our horse’s welfare at the forefront and one of our favourite parts of this job is finding these thoroughbreds a lifelong home once their racing careers have reached an end. The story of the lovely Royal Battalion is one we thoroughly enjoy telling!
Royal Battalion arrived at Gary Moore’s yard in 2015 and it didn’t take him long to find his feet and be winning over hurdles. Overall he had a successful racing career which saw him win two races at Fontwell Park, and be placed 10 times. However after a heavy fall in 2017, Royal Battalion’s confidence took a knock and his lacklustre attitude suggested he was no longer in love with his racing. Therefore in October, the decision was made for the horse to be retired.
With stress related issues to contend with (box walking/stomach ulcers) rehoming this boy wasn’t going to be an easy task, however lucky for Royal Battalion Eloise Adamski was looking for a riding horse and she just couldn’t let this lovable rogue escape her so he’s joined her family in Framfield!
Since his retirement, the newly named Roy has been enjoying a break in the paddocks but is now ready to begin his next stage of retraining, and we are thrilled to confirm that he has been accepted into the ROR (Retraining of Racehorses) yard at the beautiful Palace House in Newmarket (some might say this horse has a tenancy to land on his feet!)
Roy has settled in brilliantly and will soon begin re-schooling and participating in demonstrations for the visiting public as he is retrained for his new career. He will remain at Palace House until the end of April before moving to his lifelong home with Eloise at Beggars Barn.
The retraining programmes are excellent for these highly strung thoroughbreds who are used to galloping each day, eating an energized feed, and being in a busy racing environment. They ensure the horse’s are taught a new job both safely and efficiently and it is a brilliant way to keep their minds active.
Roy is certain to enjoy a new career, not to mention the endless amount of attention from the public at Palace House! We highly recommend you visit if you haven’t done so already. It’s the perfect day out for any racing enthusiast and of course there are a few ex-racers to cuddle!
We plan to hold a HOTSR group visit to Palace House in late March. Further details to be announced very soon!
Related Links
- Learn more – Palace House
- Retraining Programme – ROR
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