3 minute read
A superbly bred SA Derby winner will compete on level terms against an unraced 21-year-old thoroughbred this weekend.
Such is the egalitarian nature of the Off the Track initiative, which will be a feature of Equestrian SA's 2021 Summer Gala Show, to be held at Tulunga Park, Mount Pleasant, today (Saturday February 13).
A total of 13 thoroughbreds will be in action at the Racing SA-sponsored event, including Group 1 winner Zabeelionaire and unraced gelding Belarusian .
The Track to Hack class will again showcase this "life after racing" ethos that Racing SA has championed as part of its welfare arm, Thorough Care SA.
"Isn't it great to think that these two horses – who couldn't have more diverse racetrack backgrounds – will be competing on level terms?" said Racing SA equine welfare officer John Cornell.
"So, we've got an SA Derby winner on one hand, and a horse that hasn't won a race on another, but when it comes to the show ring, their on-course performances means nothing.
"The bottom line is they all deserve the same care and enjoyment of life."
Zabeelionaire – by legendary staying sire Zabeel, as his name suggests – was trained by Leon Corstens (and later Troy Corstens) and amassed over $670,000 in prizemoney during his career, which included his SA Derby win, beating VRC Derby placegetter Sabrage, and a run in the Melbourne Cup later that year.
A broad cross-section of thoroughbreds will compete tomorrow, with varying racetrack experience and performances. John described their involvement as "a genuine good news story".
"These horses have all finished their racing careers, including those that were bought as racing prospects but never made it to the track for one reason or another, or those that were very moderate performers," he said.
"But the key point is, they're still out there enjoying themselves and being much-loved members of the horse community at 20 and 21 years of age, because age doesn't come into it. It's not a factor.
"Those horses are more active than they otherwise might be and that's good for their health and wellbeing.
"They're being looked after and making a contribution to the equestrian industry, off the track."
Mr Cornell's EWO role is part of a $24 million Marshall Liberal Government stimulus package aimed at improving the performance and viability of SA's thoroughbred racing industry.
A prizemoney contribution totalling 1 per cent from all South Australian races is being directed to equine welfare.
