Racegoers at Cheltenham Festival 2025 will once again witness the inspiring Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Parade on Tuesday, 11 March, at 12:25 pm. This annual showcase highlights the incredible second careers of 14 retired racehorses, from former champions to lesser-known runners who have flourished in new disciplines.
Racing Legends Embracing New Careers
Making his Cheltenham parade debut is Paisley Park, a Grade 1 Stayers’ Hurdle winner who retired at the festival last year. The 13-year-old, who won 11 races and nearly £750,000 in prize money, has found a new home with Katrina, Emma Lavelle’s secretary, and her daughter Jazz. Now enjoying hunting and preparing for Tattersalls RoR Show Series qualifiers, Paisley Park is thriving in retirement.
Another familiar name is Pineau De Re, winner of the 2014 Grand National. Since retiring in 2016, he has built an impressive second career in British Eventing, team chasing, dressage, and showing. He was runner-up for RoR Horse of the Year in 2022 and even served as a baton bearer for the 2022 Commonwealth Games. This year, he has qualified for the BE100 Arena Eventing Championships in July 2025.
Native River, the 2018 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, has also excelled beyond racing. Since retiring in 2021, he has embraced a new life as a showing horse, even winning the Tattersalls RoR Amateur Show Series Championship at Hickstead in 2024.
A Parade of Talent
Other big names in the parade include:
• Balthazar King – A Cheltenham Festival fan favourite.
• Bristol De Mai – A multiple Grade 1 winner.
• Coneygree – The 2015 Cheltenham Gold Cup champion.
• Melon & Saphir Du Rheu – Both proven competitors now thriving in new disciplines.
Each horse in the parade demonstrates the diverse and fulfilling second careers available to racehorses, from eventing and showing to hunting and dressage.
A Celebration of Life Beyond Racing
David Catlow, Managing Director of RoR, emphasised the importance of these parades:
“This parade showcases a variety of horses, many of whom excelled on the racecourse, while others have found success in their second careers. 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.”
For horse owners and racing fans alike, the RoR Parade at Cheltenham is a powerful reminder of the value and potential of retired racehorses. Whether competing in equestrian sports or simply enjoying a relaxed lifestyle, these horses continue to inspire beyond the track.
Suzanne: BA (Hons) in Marketing Management, Diploma in Equine Studies, B.E.M.A Member. An entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in marketing, publishing, content curation, editing, and media writing. Avid equestrian, riding since the age of 5 and owning horses for over 35 years. Proud mum to humans, dogs, and a horse.