Horses for courses: Jockey Club tracks all have equine ambassadors

The Jockey Club and Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) have announced a major milestone in their ongoing commitment to thoroughbred aftercare with the appointment of Horses for Courses Ambassadors at every Jockey Club racecourse across the country. 

With Warwick and Epsom Downs Racecourses being the final two of the Group’s 15 tracks to appoint their equine representatives, this marks the successful completion of a national initiative that champions the lives of former racehorses in their second careers.  Melon, a Cheltenham Festival favourite with four runner-up finishes, is the ambassador for Warwick while Corazon Espinado takes up the role at Epsom.

Having enjoyed six wins from his 33 starts under Rules, Melon has seamlessly transitioned into his new life. Now enjoying hunting and schooling, he has become a favourite with visitors and is a proud representative of the versatility and adaptability of former racehorses.

Corazon Espinado, a true Epsom Downs specialist with four of his seven career wins recorded on the iconic track, was a familiar and popular name during his racing days. Now thriving in his second career, he remains local to the racecourse and proudly represents Epsom Downs where he once thrived on the turf. 

The appointment of Melon and Corazon Espinado completes a nationwide team of ambassadors who highlight the diverse opportunities available to former racehorses. Racegoers can look forward to seeing them at upcoming fixtures, where they will continue to inspire and educate the public about life after racing. 

Charlie Boss, Interim Group Chief Executive of The Jockey Club, said: “We’re delighted to have a full roster of Horses for Courses ambassadors in place as part of a programme which highlights our ongoing commitment to the welfare of thoroughbreds at every stage of their lives.  “Racehorses give so much on the track and this is just one way of demonstrating how the racing industry supports and celebrates them throughout their lifetime.

“It’s fantastic to work with RoR to promote the importance of lifelong care and wellbeing for racehorses after they retire and the appearances of the Horses for Courses ambassadors at our racecourses presents a great opportunity for racegoers to really get up close to a thoroughbred and help them understand more about what goes into the round-the-clock care our equine athletes receive during and after their careers on the track.” 

David Catlow, Managing Director, Retraining of Racehorses, said: "We are delighted to have now announced an RoR equine ambassador at every racecourse across The Jockey Club group through our Horses for Courses programme, and to see how enthusiastically racecourses across the group have engaged with the scheme. 

“Providing the public with updates across digital platforms as well as opportunities to meet these incredible horses is invaluable, deepening the understanding and appreciation for retired racehorses and highlighting that their aftercare is paramount. 

“We look forward to continuing our successful partnership with The Jockey Club and their racecourses.”

Aintree: Definitly Red

Carlisle: Duke of Navan

Cheltenham: Saphir du Rheu

Epsom Downs: Corazon Espinado

Exeter: Native River

Haydock Park: Robinsfirth

Huntingdon: Kemboy and Afaak

Kempton Park: Coneygree  Lord Sparky 

Market Rasen: Hally's Kitchen

Newmarket: Katie Jerram-Hunnable (with horses including Barbers Shop and First Receiver) 

Nottingham: Rupert Boy

Sandown Park: Step Back

Warwick: Melon and Ballynagour

Wincanton: Fortunate George