ROR Parade

BALTHAZAR KING – ridden by Michael Andrews

21-year-old by King’s Theatre, formerly trained by Philip Hobbs
Breeder - Sunnyhill Stud

Balthazar King had a distinguished racing career with 16 wins, including the Cross-Country Chase at the 2014 Cheltenham Festival. After recovering from a life-threatening injury at Aintree, he retired and enjoyed several seasons hunting with Izzi Beckett, wife of trainer Ralph. Now, as a 'schoolmaster' for Michael Andrews, The Jockey Club’s social media manager, he is training for low-level dressage and show jumping. Michael says: “He is the most charming, loveable, and intelligent horse.”

BRISTOL DE MAI  – ridden by Clare Lawes

14-year-old by Saddler Maker, formerly trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies

Breeder -Jean-Yves Touzaint 

Bristol de Mai retired in February 2023 following a stellar racing career and is having lots of fun in retirement with Clare Lawes. He is a big character and very intelligent and has found it easy to pick up anything that is asked of him whether that be flatwork or jumping. He particularly loves trail-hunting, where he stands like a rock and enjoys watching the hounds at work. He also enjoys observing the horses on the gallops at home and leading the young horses in their early training, where he still shows plenty of exuberance, hopefully teaching them a thing or two.

CONEYGREE - ridden by Sara Bradstock

18-year-old by Karinga Bay, formerly trained by the late Mark Bradstock
Breeder - Lord Oaksey

One of the leading staying chasers of his generation, Coneygree was retired from racing in February 2019. He adapted quickly to a life outside of racing and since being re-trained by Sara, Coneygree has won several RoR showing classes and twice qualified for the final of the Tattersalls RoR Show Series at Hickstead. More recently Coneygree took part in the Cotswold Team Chase ridden by Alfie Bradstock and came up the hill towards the finish taking off just like he was winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup all over again.

ELEGANT ESCAPE – ridden by Lily Clothier
13-year-old by Dubai Destination, formerly trained by Joe Tizzard
Breeder – Jay Leahy

Elegant Escape (known affectionately as Dobby) has been with his new owner since his retirement in December 2023 and now lives on their farm with three other former racehorses. He has taken to showjumping and cross-country brilliantly, and in September 2024, he won his first Tattersalls RoR Challenge class at the Usk Show. Over the winter, he regularly trail-hunted with the local pack, the Mendip Farmers. Dobby is a super chilled horse who loves hanging out with his mates in the field. Lily says: “It as an absolute privilege to have him for his second career in his forever home.”

KEMBOY – ridden by Rachel Sharp

13-year-old by Voix Du Nord, formerly trained by Willie Mullins

Breeder-Joelle Morruzzi & Philippe Morruzzi

Kemboy retired after winning the Bobby-Jo chase in February 2023. Following an injury in training, he retired earlier than planned and was collected by his new owners in June 2023. After enjoying a long break in the field throughout the summer and autumn, he was brought back into work in December, mostly hacking, and attending training clinics, which he has thoroughly enjoyed. His future is looking bright, with plans for RoR showing, dressage, and some jumping, although it’s still early days in his retirement. Rachel says, “We are very privileged as a family to have Kemboy in his retirement, taking things slowly and carefully.”

MELON – ridden by Sophie Candy

14-year-old gelding by Medicean, formerly trained by Willie Mullins

Breeder – Newsells Park Stud

Melon joined Sophie Candy in 2022 after a very successful racing career, including four second place finishes at the Cheltenham Festival. He is a gentleman to deal with and continues to give Sophie the most wonderful days out including winning the Patty Allen challenge race together. Melon has been out hunting plenty, thoroughly enjoying himself, sometimes a bit too much! He has also proven to be an able team chaser, with several wins alongside Sophie’s partner, Joe, on Team Ride Away. Sophie says: “He absolutely loves life, especially splashing in the river down by the yard.”

MINELLA REBELLION - ridden by Katie Dashwood

11-year-old by King’s Theatre, formerly trained by Nicky Henderson
Breeder – Sunnyhill Stud

A full brother to Balthazar King, Minella Rebellion did not share his sibling’s racing ability, however, he has shone in the show ring since retiring. In 2021, he was crowned Supreme Champion at the Jockey Club RoR National Championships. He went on to win the SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse Championship at HOYS. In 2022, he won the RoR Tattersalls Championship at Royal Windsor, was Champion Riding Horse at the Royal Three Counties, and was crowned Supreme Amateur Riding Horse at the Royal International. At HOYS 2023, he made history by winning the overall Riding Horse Championship. He is the reigning Tattersalls Final Elite Champion after winning the Final at Hickstead in June 2024.

NATIVE RIVER – ridden by Emma Vine

15-year-old gelding by Indian River, formerly trained by Colin Tizzard

Breeder – Fred Mackey

Following his retirement to Webb Hill Farm, Native River Aka Garfield initially enjoyed a few months out in the field. Since then, Native River has had a rather busy social calendar, he has attended a school prom, the 30^th Anniversary of the Rocking Horse Nursery at Newbury Racecourse, Boodles in Bond Street and starred in numerous racecourse parades to mention a few. Alongside this he has transitioned well from racehorse to riding horse and enjoys his hacking and schooling, he absolutely thrives in his work and is a quick learner. 2024 was an epic year for Native River when he was crowned the 2024 Tattersalls RoR Amateur Show Series Final Champion at Hickstead.

PAISLEY PARK – ridden by Jasmine Stanhope-White
13-year-old gelding by Oscar, formerly trained by Emma Lavelle
Breeder – M Conaghan

Following his retirement, Paisley Park was given to Katrina, Emma Lavelle’s secretary for her daughter Jazz to ride. Paisley Park adapted quickly to his new life, and had his first day’s hunting in November, jumping plenty of hedges. He has proven to be versatile, turning his hoof to anything asked of him. An appearance at the Royal Bath & West Show in the Tattersalls RoR Show Series qualifiers is scheduled. Katrina says: “Andrew Gemmell is still a big part of Paisley Park’s life, and he is thrilled that Paisley Park has been invited to parade at Cheltenham.”

PINEAU DE RE - ridden by Molly Johnstone-Ellis

22-year-old gelding by Maresca Sorrento, formerly trained by Dr Richard Newland

Breeder – Michel Hardy

Since retiring in 2016, Pineau De Re has excelled in eventing, hunting, team chasing, dressage, and showing. He was runner-up in the RoR Horse of the Year 2022 and was a baton bearer for the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Recently, we qualified for the BE100 Arena Eventing Championships, set for July 2025. Pineau has a wise look about him and is the king of the yard. He loves living outside but enjoys coming in for breakfast and a morning snooze.

POLYDAMOS – ridden by Katy Llewellyn
16-year-old gelding by Nayef, formerly trained by Tony Carroll
Breeder – Hesmonds Stud Ltd

Polydamos (aka Oliver) has been with Katy since 2017. He has excelled in the showing world, with notable successes including placing at the Tattersalls RoR Championship and London International in 2023. However, it was in 2024 when he reached for the stars, becoming Champion Racehorse at the Royal Welsh Show and Champion HOYS Hack. Katy says: “Oliver is more than a show horse; he is a part of the family. He has a marvellous temperament and has been wonderful for my mental health and wellbeing. He really is one of a kind, and we have been so lucky to have found him.”

SAPHIR DU RHEU – ridden by Charlotte Alexander

16-year-old gelding by Al Namix, formerly trained by Paul Nicholls

Breeder - Claude Duval

A Grade 1 winner at Aintree, Saphir Du Rheu has been with Charlotte Alexander since he retired from racing in 2018. Very versatile, he has risen quickly through the eventing ranks to compete at Intermediate level, while in dressage he is about to start competing at medium level and is already doing well at Elementary. He is also doing some show jumping, as well as team chasing. Charlotte says: “Saphy loves life and particularly performing in front of a crowd where he grows another hand and knows everyone is admiring him.”

SHARJAH – ridden by Abbie Hawkins
12-year-old gelding by Doctor Dino, formerly trained by Willie Mullins
Breeder – Ecurie Haras De Beauvoir

Since retiring in 2024, Sharjah has enjoyed a holiday and now is busy trying out a bit of everything and has so far enjoyed all that he has tried. The plan is for today’s rider Abbie to show and event him, and Phoebe Hawkins to focus on dressage. He lives with three other horses and although is in the early stages of his new career, seems to be thoroughly enjoying every challenge he is faced with.

WONGA SWINGER – ridden by Tori Thomas
15-year-old gelding by Lucky Story, formerly trained by Sam Thomas
Breeder – M and Mrs Duff and W Frewin

Wonga Swinger was trained by Sam Thomas, Tori's husband, winning twice before retiring in 2018. Tori evented and hunted him, and in 2021, he began his successful showing career, becoming champion at Royal Windsor and Tattersalls RoR Amateur Champion at Hickstead in 2022. In 2023, Wonga Swinger was crowned the RoR Elite Showing Champion, winning both the Tattersalls Open ridden and Amateur finals. In 2024, Tori gave birth to Lily in August, and remarkably, she managed to qualify for HOYS at Burghley five weeks later. They went on to become the 2024 SEIB Champion Racehorse to Riding Horse at HOYS.