A record 350 former racehorses competed at the 2026 Jockey Club RoR National Championships, showcasing the versatility of the Thoroughbred and the opportunities available beyond the racecourse.
Held at Aintree Equestrian Centre from 18 to 23 August, the six-day championships attracted record numbers across several disciplines. There were 541 dressage entries and 269 jumping entries across showjumping and arena eventing, with many horses competing in more than one class.
Among the leading winners, Eve Nicholls partnered Falloway Dubreau to victory in the Tattersalls RoR Ridden Showing Supreme Championship (feature image). Stella Bunn and Evron claimed the Hot to Trot Racing RoR Elite Performance Award for Dressage Championship.
Collectively, the former racehorses entered at this year’s championships earned more than £11 million in prize money during their racing careers.
Emotional retirements at Aintree
The championships also marked the end of two remarkable competitive careers.
Hannah Chisman removed First Fandango’s saddle for the final time as the 19-year-old 2023 RoR Horse of the Year retired from competition.
Sophie Kington’s 22-year-old Amroth Bay was also retired. The former racehorse is a two-time National Championships winner and was nominated for the 2025 RoR Horse of the Year award.
Veteran horses were strongly represented throughout the event, with more than 82 entries across dressage, ridden showing and in-hand showing.
Former racing stars return to the spotlight
The Always a Star Parades, supported by Great British Racing, gave spectators the chance to see some familiar names enjoying successful lives after racing.
The parades featured horses competing at Aintree that had earned more than £100,000 during their racing careers. Those taking part included Kemboy, Crambo, Lord du Mesnil, Reach For The Moon, Kimberella and Top Notch Tonto.
Top Line Tommy and Anna W were also crowned this year’s winners of the popular Gemma Potts Glamour Stakes.
Away from the competition arenas, RoR hosted its first event as part of National Racehorse Week. Thirty guests were welcomed to Aintree to learn more about the charity’s work and enjoy a behind-the-scenes visit to the famous racecourse.
Welfare standards show encouraging improvement
The independent Welfare Stewarding Group, which supports welfare standards at the RoR Winter and National Championships, reported a significant improvement in standards this year.
Competitors demonstrated positive horsemanship and strong partnerships with their horses, alongside good engagement with RoR’s suitably mounted initiative.
A large proportion of those taking part achieved the recommended 17% rider-to-horse weight ratio and received certificates. Good horsemanship rosettes also recognised riders who showed particular kindness, consideration and understanding towards their horses.
David Catlow, Managing Director of Retraining of Racehorses, said: “The National Championships are, of course, about far more than results and rosettes. They are about taking part, trying something new, celebrating progress and being part of a community united by a huge affection and respect for the former racehorse.
“With 350 horses entered to take part this year, it was wonderful to see the sheer breadth of what life after racing can look like. From horses and riders competing at the highest level to those having a go at something new.
“For RoR, success is not simply what happens in the competition arena. It is seeing former racehorses happy, healthy, well cared for and enjoying fulfilling lives after racing, whatever their second career may look like.”
More information about the charity and its work is available from Retraining of Racehorses.
