CEO Column: A life after racing

Life after racing is an important part of  the ownership journey, and one that  deserves just as much planning as a  horse’s career on the track. That’s why this  month’s Forum pages focus on aftercare and equine welfare, highlighting the people and initiatives helping former racehorses enjoy fulfilling second careers, and the opportunities and processes to support owners as their horses transition out of racing, from innovative aftercare programmes to National Racehorse Week. 

One of the questions owners are often asked is: what happens to racehorses when they retire? It is an important question, and one we should be well equipped and proud to answer. 

Last month we were delighted to bring together ROA members at Godolphin Lifetime Care in Newmarket, alongside Retraining of Racehorses (RoR), for an event focused on life after racing for the thoroughbred. More than simply showcasing exceptional aftercare, the morning reinforced something that sits at the heart of responsible ownership: a racehorse’s future begins long before its final day on the racecourse. 

As owners, we all want the very best for our horses and for many, ownership doesn’t end when a horse leaves training – it is a lifelong commitment. One conversation, in particular, stayed with me during the morning. 

I spoke to an owner whose horse is approaching retirement and who had deliberately signed up to the event to better understand the options available as their horse transitions out of racing. They wanted to learn what support exists, what opportunities lie beyond the racecourse, and how to make the best decisions for their horse’s future and suitable next career. It perfectly captured why events like this 
matter. Every horse is different, and owners deserve access to expert guidance that helps them plan confidently for the next chapter.

The retraining process and making informed decisions at retirement are all part of ensuring our horses go on to lead happy and fulfilling lives, whether that’s in competition, as hacks, companions, or through the invaluable work they do in equine-assisted programmes. 

That message was brought to life through an excellent ridden demonstration by Louise Robson of Thoroughbred Dressage on board former Godolphin runner La Yakel. Watching a former racehorse who had recently started its retraining journey was a powerful reminder that thoroughbreds need time to mentally and physically adjust from life as an athlete to a new role, and with patience, understanding and the right training they can flourish in an extraordinary range of second careers. 

Planning for retirement should begin well before a horse leaves training. Firstly, owners should ask themselves what they want for their horse after racing. From there, speak to your trainer about the right time for retirement and discuss the options available, taking into account what the horse is best suited to in its second career.  

However, while these decisions can be made together, owners have a vital role in ensuring a few simple but important actions are completed. As David Catlow, Managing Director of RoR, explained, there are several important actions to help safeguard a horse’s future and help with traceability:  

• Sign a Non-Racing Agreement (NRA) to help protect your horse’s future and lodge this with the BHA. This will trigger RoR’s retirement survey. Complete this so the charity and the sport can monitor a  racehorse’s first step away from racing. 

• Change of Ownership in Passport. If the horse is transferring to a new owner, it is a legal requirement to register the new owner with the passport issuing organisation.  
• Encourage the horse’s new owner to register with RoR, ensuring they can access expert advice and support throughout the horse’s second career and access RoR’s educational opportunities, mounted and unmounted. 

The welfare page on our website includes details on racehorse retirement and a link to a Non-Racing Agreement here.

I would like to thank everyone at Godolphin Lifetime Care for generously opening their doors to our owners and to the team at RoR for sharing their expertise. Most importantly, thank you to the owners who joined us. Your enthusiasm and engagement demonstrated the care and commitment that defines responsible ownership. 

Finally, if you’re starting to think about your own horse’s future, I would encourage you to visit the National RoR Championships at Aintree from August 18-23 to see first-hand how former racehorses can thrive in their second careers. 

Retirement should never be the end of the story. With the right planning and support, it can be the beginning of an exciting new chapter. The ROA is proud to support owners through every stage of that 
journey, helping ensure every thoroughbred can enjoy a rewarding life after racing.