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TBNSW PROUDLY SPONSORS IMPRESSIVE ENTRANTS IN THE EQUIMILLION

Racing NSW Introduces Equimillion — an equestrian extravaganza where the stakes are sky-high, with a breathtaking minimum of $1 million in prize money. It’s a celebration of athleticism, versatility, and the indomitable spirit of our equine counterparts, set across the riveting disciplines of Eventing, Show Jumping, Dressage and Show Horse.

Taking place on the October long weekend at SIEC this event shined a spotlight on Thoroughbreds transitioning from the racetrack to the arena, demonstrating their successful adaptation to various disciplines.

Thoroughbred Breeders NSW took immense pride in sponsoring the following three riders-horse duos for the prestigious Equimillion event.

Shai Dever- Red Roger (Mawingo x Lady Writer)

With a profound connection to the equestrian world and a career entrenched in the thoroughbred breeding stud industry, Shai had the privilege of witnessing the aweinspiring journey this industry offers—from inception to culmination. It’s a testament to the sheer wonder of nurturing these magnificent creatures, guiding them from foaling to the sales ring, witnessing their transformation on the track, and ultimately embracing their post-racing chapter.

To me, it’s not merely a job; it’s a calling, a passionate devotion to these equine athletes who defy convention. It’s about spotlighting their incredible potential beyond the racetrack, especially for those who may harbour misconceptions about racing.

These horses are more than racing heroes; they are performers of unparalleled grace and power. Among them, the Off-the-Track Thoroughbreds (OTTs) hold a special place in my heart. Their unrivalled trainability and indomitable spirit are awe-inspiring. Currently, I have the privilege of caring for a stunning chestnut gelding affectionately known as “Reggie.”

Reggie embodies the quintessential Thoroughbred spirit—gentle, adaptable, and determined. He’s been my steadfast companion, not just in equestrian pursuits but also in the world of cattle mustering and providing safe rides for kids. The journey with Reggie began when I discovered him during my tenure at a stud, where he was enjoying a well-deserved spell.

From that moment, Reggie’s transformation began. In a mere 14 months, he transitioned from a seasoned racehorse to an Eventing competitor at 95 and a showjumping marvel at one metre. His story is a testament to the boundless potential of these noble creatures, dispelling any notion that racehorses become ‘useless’ after their time on the track.

Reggie’s journey, like so many OTTs, serves as a beacon of hope, challenging preconceived notions and inviting society to see beyond stereotypes. These horses, with their monumental hearts and unwavering spirit, have the capacity for so much more.

Let’s rewrite the narrative—these horses are not ‘useless’ after racing; they are limitless in their potential.

Shai and Reggie performed so well at Equimillon that they won the EVA 95 Junior Eventing, taking home a prize of $15,000 and also placing 3rd in Show Jumping for an additional $4500.

Tony Priestly - Patchy Rain (Manhattan Rain x Petulie)

Tony, a dedicated equestrian with a heart of gold, was nominated by his dear friend, Sharilea Hitchcock. Among Tony’s remarkable equine companions stands Patchy Rain (Manhattan Rain), bred at Robrick Lodge and trained by Clint Lundholm.

In a feat that left the equestrian world astounded, Patchy Rain soared to second place in the prestigious Jump Start event in Melbourne a mere seven weeks after her last race. Tony, now her proud owner, has witnessed her transformation into a sublime jumper. At just six years old, Patchy Rain showcases the boundless potential of Thoroughbreds beyond the racetrack.

As we embark on Tony’s journey, you’ll discover that he’s not just a Master Farrier and an equestrian enthusiast since his Pony Club days. His enduring passion for the sport is rivalled only by his unwavering commitment to saving horses. This dedication is the cornerstone of why Tony is a deserving candidate for sponsorship.

Over the past few decades, Tony has emerged as a beacon of hope for countless Thoroughbreds and other horse breeds; he embarks on the challenging task of retraining them as Showjumpers. His patience, kindness, and unrelenting work ethic shine through as he guides these horses on their path to a brighter future.

But Tony’s generosity extends beyond his four-legged friends. On competition days, he readily offers his expertise to fellow equestrians, assisting them in overcoming challenges with their horses. Not only does he excel in retraining ex-racehorses, but he also ensures their well-being by tending to their hooves, alleviating pain, and rectifying behavioural issues.

Currently, Tony cares for two ex-racehorses, both ideal candidates for sponsorship. However, the prohibitive entry fee has created a hurdle on his path to showcasing their talents. Sharilea nominates Mr Priestley to be sponsored for this event, emphasizing that there’s no one more deserving due to Tony’s invaluable contributions to horse welfare and his dedication to providing ex-racers with a second chance at life.

In recent years, Tony’s prowess has shone bright, as he clinched the NSW South Coast Ag Show Jumping point score for the most wins on the show circuit. His achievements are a testament to his unwavering commitment to equine welfare and his relentless pursuit of excellence in the equestrian arena.

We celebrate Tony’s journey, a journey that not only changes the lives of horses but also inspires us all to be better stewards of these horses.

Tony placed 4th in the Open 90cm Showjumping with prize money of $2500.

Patchy Rain

Taylor Drayton

Taylor Drayton - Hudoo Vudoo (Hinchinbrook x Hudoo)

In the captivating tapestry of equestrian pursuits, Thoroughbreds stand as a testament to unparalleled versatility—a quality I’ve witnessed since my primary school days when I first embarked on the journey of horse ownership. However, it’s disheartening to observe how these athletes are sometimes overshadowed by their warmblood counterparts, leading many to underestimate their true potential.

The Equimillion event—a beacon of hope for retired racehorses and a resounding call to action for those who doubt the Thoroughbreds in the competition arena. This event, where Thoroughbreds compete against their own kind, serves as a pivotal platform to elevate their status as formidable competition horses.

As a final-year veterinary science student at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga, Taylor always nurtured a deep-seated passion for horses. My journey began in primary school, where I forged a bond with horses. Upon completing high school, my desire to immerse myself in the thoroughbred industry led me to Rheinwood Pastoral Company, where I dedicated two breeding seasons to learning the intricacies of equine care.

Upon my arrival in Wagga Wagga, I embarked on a new chapter at Kooringal Stud, where I’ve devoted the last four years of my life. Within this role, I’ve had the privilege of establishing connections with various trainers — a network that eventually led me to my horse, Hudoo Vudoo (Hinchinbrook).

Hudoo Vudoo, retired from the racetrack in January 2022, and has become my steadfast partner in a multifaceted equestrian journey. Together, we’ve ventured into eventing, showjumping, and dressage, demonstrating the exceptional adaptability and spirit of Thoroughbreds.

My journey is a testament to the transformative power of these animals, and I’m committed to illuminating the path for their continued success.

Taylor and Hudoo Vodoo place 4th in the EVA 80 Amateur and a prize cheque of $2500.

TBNSW is immensely proud to have sponsored these three very accomplished riders and horses and look forward ro Equimillion 2024.

HQ Insurance’s Bloodstock Manager, Dean Morley, is reminding breeders not to overlook their foal insurance with the 2023 crop hitting the ground. Morley urged breeders to get in touch with their brokers or to contact HQ Insurance now and not wait until foals are born. “The issue we find every year is breeders often forget to notify their insurance broker or to request a quote until the foal drops. It’s best to organise your foal cover early so it incepts from 24 hours of age, pending a clean Vet Certificate with IgG over 800 mg/dl and blood pathology if required by the insurer. This ensures your foal is on cover as soon as possible and negates any potential loss you may encounter. It’s also an extremely busy time for studs and staff and we find the delay in paperwork or emails can cause issues between brokers and their clients.”

The foal crop in 2023 is expected to be in the range of 13,000 and with foals from first season sires like Home Affairs and Jonker about to be seen for the first time, it’s vital breeders cover their valuable progeny.

Morley stated, “we see losses every year during the first few delicate months of a foal’s life with causes of loss ranging from pneumonia to septic joints and paddock accidents amongst others. Unless the cause of loss is a pre-existing condition, which would result in a policy exclusion, there is very little fine print in bloodstock policy wordings meaning claims are paid at a significantly high rate to those lodged, subject to requirements of post-mortem reports and payment of premiums being met.”

When insuring your foal/s and deciding what the sum insured should be, Morley guided breeders into a simple rule, “between one and two times the stallion’s service fee is a good starting point. Also think about your year one costs and research whether any of the foal’s siblings, either half, ¾ or full, are stakes performers, whilst always referring to your broker about a sensible value.”

“The service both at application and at time of claim with HQ Insurance is next level and we couldn’t recommend them highly enough. When you add in just how good their policy is in comparison to the competition, then you would be MAD to go anywhere else.

“I have been dealing with HQ Insurance for over five years and found all the staff to be warm friendly and extremely efficient with regarding all types of horse insurance issues. When I have had the misfortune of losing one of my valuable bloodstock, their ability to attend to claims promptly and with understanding is second to none. ”

“Fall of the hammer insurance is an important risk mitigating undertaking for us to protect our investment and that of our clients. Post sale we deem our yearlings to be at the highest risk as many for the first time live somewhere outside of the farm they were born and grew up on, many of these locations with far greater on-farm activity than they would be accustomed to. They also interact with new people who have facilities, systems and processes different to what our yearling may be used to”

“24 hour foal cover gives our clients 24 hour a day peace of mind. Policy options include life saving surgery cover and the extended foal policy until the 2025 yearling sales all with HQ’s Renewal Extension clause.”

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