The equestrian world is gearing up for Great Britain’s most prestigious competition dedicated exclusively to former racehorses, as The Jockey Club RoR National Championships returns to Aintree International Equestrian Centre from Tuesday, 19 August to Sunday, 24 August 2025.

Record-Breaking Entries for 2025

This year’s championships have attracted an unprecedented 341 former racehorses, marking the largest field in the event’s history. The competing horses boast an impressive collective racing heritage, having won over £11.7 million in prize money during their racing careers.

The competition has reached new heights across all disciplines, with dressage entries alone totalling an remarkable 517 — a testament to the growing popularity and success of the event in showcasing the versatility of the Thoroughbred breed.

Star-Studded Field Features Racing Legends

Among the notable competitors are celebrated names that will be familiar to racing enthusiasts:

• Desert Encounter – Multiple Group winner
• Scarlet Dragon – Former racing star
• Al Boum Photo – Cheltenham Gold Cup hero
• Kimberlite Candy – Grade 1 winner
• Manobo – Talented sprinter
• Robinsfirth – Successful jumper
• Guitar Pete – Popular handicapper

These household names will compete alongside horses with more modest racing backgrounds, many of whom have flourished in their second careers thanks to the support and opportunities provided by Retraining of Racehorses (RoR).

Six Days of Elite Competition

The championships will showcase the remarkable adaptability of former racehorses across four key disciplines:

• Dressage – Demonstrating elegance and precision
• Arena Eventing – Testing versatility and athleticism
• Showjumping – Highlighting agility and scope
• Showing – Celebrating conformation and presentation

The competition will culminate with two prestigious finals: The RoR Elite Performance Award for Dressage on Thursday, 21 August, and The Tattersalls RoR Ridden Showing Supreme Champion during Saturday’s evening finale.

Industry Support and Sponsorship

David Catlow, Managing Director of RoR, expressed his enthusiasm for the growing event: “This event continues to grow year on year, drawing an outstanding number of former racehorses from across the country to Aintree. The Championships truly highlight the versatility and the many different second career options available to these horses post racing.”

He continued: “We are grateful to all our sponsors, especially The Jockey Club for their generous headline support, Tattersalls for backing our entire showing series, and all the individual sponsors who make this event possible.”

The Jockey Club’s Continued Commitment

Sulekha Varma, Clerk of the Course at Aintree Racecourse and North West Head of Racing for Jockey Club Racecourses, highlighted the significance of the partnership: “We are delighted to host the RoR Championships at Aintree once again this summer, marking The Jockey Club’s fifth year as headline sponsor.”

“It’s inspiring to see so many former racehorses competing at all levels, demonstrating the versatility and adaptability of the Thoroughbred. This event underlines the essential role Retraining of Racehorses plays in giving these horses fulfilling and successful second careers,” Varma added.

Enhanced Welfare Focus

A key feature of this year’s championships will be the presence of the Welfare Stewarding Team (WST), now in formal partnership with RoR through the support of Agria. The team will be easily identifiable in co-branded tabards and will provide:

• Friendly, expert advice on horse welfare and horsemanship
• Recognition and rewards for exceptional care
• Practical tips for competitors
• Educational support to enhance the experience for both horse and rider

The WST’s role is purely supportive and educational, encouraging competitors to engage with their expertise to ensure the best possible experience for all participants.

Global Accessibility Through Live Streaming

For supporters unable to attend in person, all indoor arena classes at the International Equestrian Centre will be live streamed on Clipmyhorse.tv, ensuring that the excitement of this unique event can be shared with audiences worldwide.

A Growing Success Story

The RoR National Championships continues to demonstrate the remarkable success of the retraining programme, showing how former racehorses can excel in new disciplines. From Grade 1 winners to modest platers, the event celebrates the Thoroughbred’s incredible versatility and the dedication of those who give these horses their second chance to shine.

With record entries, star competitors, and comprehensive live coverage, the 2025 championships promise to be the most spectacular yet, cementing Aintree’s position as the home of former racehorse excellence.

The full entry list is available for viewing, allowing supporters to follow their favourite horses as they embark on this prestigious competition from 19-24 August 2025.