Top jockeys become RoR ambassadors
Leading jockeys Frankie Dettori and Richard Johnson are showing their support of ex-racehorses by becoming ambassadors for charity Retraining of Racehorses (RoR).
The two jockeys have both have provided homes to horses that played a pivotal role in their racing careers.
Frankie and his wife Catherin gave a home to Fujiyama Crest until he passed away aged 23.
The horse gave Dettori his final winner of his magnificent seven at Ascot in 1995.
Looks Like Trouble (pictured), who H&H columnist Richard partnered to victory in the 2000 Cheltenham Gold Cup, is spending his retirement at the family’s Herefordshire home.
“It’s wonderful news that Richard and Frankie have agreed to be RoR ambassadors,” said Di Arbuthnot, chief executive of RoR.
She said both the jockeys “recognise the importance of racing demonstrating its support for the work of RoR and know exactly what is involved with giving a racehorse a second home”.
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The jockeys’ ambassadorial duties include attending RoR’s parades on racecourses and making presentations at RoR competitions and events.
They will be giving the prizes at the annual RoR awards, held for the first time last year.
“Thanks to the work of RoR, there are so many more options for former racehorses, such as polo, showing, dressage and eventing,” said Frankie.
He said this was not case when he bought Fujiyama Crest at the sales 15 years ago.
“I don’t know what would have happened to him had we not bought him. He meant a lot to all the family and all my children rode him,” he added.
“It’s really important that all involved, owners, trainers and jockeys, consider what happens to horses when their racing careers are over and that we promote the fact that they can excel in other disciplines long after they finish racing,” said Richard Johnson.
“One would expect a Gold Cup winner such as Looks Like Trouble to want for nothing in his retirement, but it should not matter what they achieved on the track, they all deserve the chance of a fulfilling second career.”
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