Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) is excited to announce that the 2025 RoR Awards will be held at Cheltenham Festival Trials Day on 25 January 2025. This new venue for the RoR Awards provides a unique opportunity to merge our celebration of the adaptability and versatility of Thoroughbreds in their post-racing careers with the excitement of racing. The event will highlight two prestigious awards: The Jockey Club RoR Horse of the Year Award and The Sir Peter O’Sullevan RoR Community Impact Award, alongside the presentation of the RoR Elite Series champions across seven equestrian disciplines.
Next year’s awards are especially significant as they coincide with RoR’s 25th anniversary. This milestone allows us to reflect on a quarter-century of commitment to the welfare of former racehorses. RoR is dedicated to ensuring these magnificent animals lead lives filled with dignity, love, and fulfilment long after their racing careers have concluded.
The Jockey Club RoR Horse of the Year Award and the Sir Peter O’Sullevan RoR Community Impact Award recognise exceptional former racehorses who have successfully transitioned into new careers, as well as inspiring individuals and organisations that have made a significant impact in people’s lives working with former racehorses.
RoR Managing Director, David Catlow, expressed his enthusiasm for the 2025 event, stating, “We are thrilled to bring the RoR Awards to Cheltenham Festival Trials Day. Partnering with such a prestigious venue allows us to shine a spotlight on the extraordinary achievements of former racehorses both on and off the racetrack.”
On behalf of the trustees of The Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust, Nigel Payne remarked, “As we embark on the second year of this award, we are confident that Sir Peter would have cherished the connection between his charitable trust and RoR. This partnership not only showcases the remarkable efforts made to promote new lives for horses after racing but also highlights the profound impact that former racehorses can have in transforming people’s lives for the better.”
Nevin Truesdale, Chief Executive of The Jockey Club, said: “We are proud to support RoR once again with The Jockey Club RoR Horse of the Year Award. Cheltenham is the perfect backdrop for celebrating the remarkable second careers of former racehorses, the huge range of activities they undertake and impact they have."
The 2025 RoR Awards promise to feature heartwarming stories that celebrate the versatility and adaptability of former racehorses as they transition into new careers. Nominations for both awards are now open and will close at 5 pm on 8 November 2024. For further information, please visit the RoR Awards pages.
