Newmarket Racecourses today announces an exciting new partnership with renowned equestrian Katie Jerram-Hunnable MVO and her husband Chris in support of Retraining of Racehorses’ (RoR) programme Horses For Courses.
Launched in 2023 and supported by Godolphin, Horses For Courses is an exciting initiative to showcase the care given and opportunities available to racehorses once their racing days come to an end. The programme has so far seen 15 racecourses adopt an equine ambassador, who they invite to attend racedays and provide updates to racegoers about their lives after racing.
Having first sat on a horse at the age of five and competed at the Horse of the Year Show every year since she was 10, Katie has evented, trained and shown horses throughout her life. Her connection to racing includes riding in point to points and assisting her father with the training of racehorses.
From her base in Essex, Katie also has a strong Royal connection, having ridden and produced horses her late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II and now King Charles III. Katie has won numerous RoR showing classes with the Royal-owned Barbers Shop.
Sophie Able, Newmarket Racecourses and International Director, said: “We are delighted to be involved in Horses For Courses, as we continue to work to showcase our commitment to welfare before, during and after a racehorse's career.
“It is a fantastic initiative and gives us the chance to have our stars from the racecourse return back to the track. Most importantly, it gives us the opportunity to tell the narrative of what happens to racehorses once they have finished racing. This is already happening across a number of racecourses and we are excited it will be launching here at Newmarket.
“I am delighted to announce we have partnered with Katie Jerram-Hunnable and her husband Chris who will be our Newmarket Ambassadors. They have a fantastic group of ex-racehorses who we will have the opportunity to follow and learn about what they have been doing.
“One of their horses is Barbers Shop, owned by The King, who has won many RoR classes at the Horse of the Year Show. We look forward to welcoming Barbers Shop and also First Receiver, who is also owned by The King. He began his racing journey here at Newmarket and has now started doing classes.”
Rupert Arnold, Executive Consultant to RoR, commented: “We are delighted that Newmarket Racecourse is joining our Horses for Courses initiative, and we are looking forward to seeing them share what former racehorses, Barbers Shop and First Receiver, are up to in their second careers.
“RoR Horses for Courses ambassadors showcase the diverse experiences former racehorses can enjoy beyond their racing careers, educating the public and highlighting the racing industry's commitment to their wellbeing.”
Katie Jerram-Hunnable MVO added: “Both Chris and I are very excited to become Newmarket Ambassadors for the RoR’s Horses For Courses programme.
“We have always been passionate supporters of RoR’s work and are delighted to be able to support and promote it in this way.”
