Off the track Thoroughbreds to feature at EWA HOTY Show

For the first time in the history of the event, off the track Thoroughbreds will have their very own feature class at this year’s EWA Horse of the Year Show to be held at the State Equestrian Centre on 2-4 September 2016.

The class is being sponsored by Off the Track Western Australia, an initiative run by Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA). The program aims to increase the demand for retired Thoroughbred and Standardbred racehorses as pleasure and performance horses through sponsoring events and clinics, sharing success stories, and promoting the attributes of both breeds. They support the placement of retired Thoroughbred and Standardbred racehorses in second careers by promoting the many retrainers across Western Australia and educating the community about life after racing.

Off The Track Equine Welfare Office, Sharon Joyce, says “Racing and Wagering WA’s Off the Track program has become an active voice in the racing and equestrian industries in WA, positioning retired racehorses as the breeds of choice in equestrian disciplines and pleasure pursuits. The continued success, growth and popularity of the program since its inception in early 2014 has resulted in a noticeable increase throughout WA in the demand for retired racehorses post-racing. The program is widely recognised in the WA equestrian community as being a conduit for the successful transition of horses from the racetrack to other pursuits.”

The Off the Track class at the EWA Horse of the Year Show is open to Thoroughbreds that are competing in any discipline, not only Show Horse. The only requirement is that the horse be registered with the Australian Studbook and the competitor be a current EWA Competitor or Participant member.

EWA Show Horse Working Party member and National Show Horse Judge, Valerie Mayger, says “EWA supports the work of Off the Track WA in rehoming racehorses and encourages all EWA competitors, regardless of the discipline in which they compete, to take part in this exciting new event.”

The horses will be judged by three independent judges – two from the racing industry and one from the Equestrian Australia National Judge List – and will be required to compete a freestyle workout to music of their choice. The judges will assess the horses on three outcomes – Thoroughbred Qualities, Conformation, and Manners and Paces – to determine five finalists.

The following prizes are being offered:

• Winner - $750 plus an embroidered trophy rug and garland
• 1st Runner-Up - $150 plus a sash
• 2nd Runner-Up - $100 plus a sash
• The remaining finalists will receive a finalist sash

All the information on this class is available under the ‘General Conditions of Entry’ in the 2016 EWA Horse of the Year event program. The program and entries are now available on Nominate.