ROA showcases Godolphin Lifetime Care for racehorses

The Racehorse Owners Association (ROA) welcomed its members, as well as RoR members, to Godolphin Lifetime Care in Newmarket on Wednesday 8th July, for an event focused on responsible ownership - Life After Racing for the thoroughbred. 

Co-hosted by the ROA and Godolphin at their Lifetime Care facility in Newmarket and supported by Retraining of Racehorses (RoR), the morning demonstrated how owners play a vital role in helping their horses enjoy fulfilling lives beyond the racetrack. 

While former racehorses can thrive in many different lives after racing, whether competing, hacking, living as companions or enjoying a quieter life in the field, those outcomes begin before a horse leaves training. Through practical advice and expert guidance, the event highlighted the importance of planning ahead and understanding the retraining process for former racehorses. It also showcased the wide range of second-career opportunities available to retired racehorses, from competition and hacking to community roles as therapy animals, while demonstrating how simple steps can help safeguard every racehorse's future after racing.

Opening the morning, ROA Chief Executive Louise Norman emphasised that ownership can often extend throughout a horse's lifetime and that supporting owners at every stage of that journey remains a priority for the association. 

The event brought together expertise from Godolphin Lifetime Care, RoR and Louise Robson (pictured above chatting to members) of Thoroughbred Dressage. Guidance was provided by RoR's David Catlow on the importance of Non-Racing Agreements (NRA) and how simple actions, including completing RoR's retirement survey and encouraging future owners to register their horses with the charity, can make a real difference to a Thoroughbred's future and the traceability of the thoroughbred population. 

A highlight of the morning was a dressage demonstration by retrainer Louise Robson, who showcased the versatility and adaptability of the Thoroughbred beyond racing. On board La Yakel who won four times during his career, earning £170,000 in prize money, she demonstrated the sympathetic retraining process that enables former racehorses to move into and thrive in a new discipline. 

Guests also heard from Emma Hutchinson of HorseBack UK of Riding for the Disabled Association, who illustrated the growing role thoroughbreds play within equine-assisted services and the positive impact they continue to have within communities.  

The event concluded with a tour, where members met members of the dedicated team responsible for preparing former racehorses for their next chapter, including Man of Promise, Godolphin Lifetime Care’s equine flagbearer, and saw first-hand the exceptional standards of care that underpin Godolphin's lifelong commitment to its horses. 

Louise Norman, ROA Chief Executive said: “Ownership doesn't always end when a horse leaves training - it is often a lifelong commitment. At the ROA, we are here to support owners at every stage of that journey by providing guidance, access to expertise and opportunities such as this to see outstanding aftercare in action.  

“Owners contribute more than £500 million each year to British racing, making them not only the sport's largest financial supporters but also some of the sports strongest ambassadors.  Being able to speak confidently about the meaningful lives racehorses go on to enjoy after racing is one of the most powerful ways owners can help build public trust through informing people who are unfamiliar with our sport. We are incredibly grateful to Godolphin for hosting us and to RoR for helping owners better understand the steps and processes that can have such a positive impact on a horse's future." 

Hugh Anderson, Godolphin Managing Director, UK and Dubai, said: “Opening the doors of Godolphin Lifetime Care to ROA members was a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to the lifelong welfare of our horses. It was a pleasure to share our approach with owners and to work alongside the ROA and RoR in promoting aftercare and showcasing the many fulfilling pathways available to thoroughbreds after they leave racing." 

David Catlow, Managing Director of RoR, added: "Owners are central to every racehorse’s successful transition from racing, both through the decisions they make for their own horses and through their wider support for a responsible, connected aftercare system. By understanding the importance of traceability, early planning and engagement with the support available through RoR, owners can make a real difference not only to individual horses, but to the long-term future and public confidence of the sport. 

“It was extremely encouraging to see so many owners engaging with this important topic, and we thank the ROA for putting owner education and responsible aftercare at the heart of this event.”