Thoroughbred Racing South Australia (TRSA) is continuing its equestrian support by agreeing to sponsor a major event in December.
TRSA is backing the Equestrian SA (ESA) South Australian Showhorse of the Year event, to be held at Mount Pleasant Showgrounds on December 12-13.
TRSA will support the thoroughbred classes by providing:
- Garlands, ribbons and enscripted rugs
- Championship prizemoney
- Reserve Champion prizemoney
- Newcomer sashes, rosettes and prizemoney
Open to all South Australian competitors that are members of ESA, the event normally has between 130 to 180 horses vying for championship prizes, which in turn qualifies them to represent SA at the Showhorse Nationals, held in Werribee, Victoria, in December.
This year, ESA is highlighting “life after racing” and a spokesperson said showcasing thoroughbreds would give the public the chance “to see just how versatile, beautiful and elegant these horses are”.
Earlier in 2020 TRSA appointed John Cornell to the role of equine welfare office (EWO) as part of its ongoing equine welfare framework.
The 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.
The ESA sponsorship continues TRSA’s long association with the sport, which included seven consecutive years partnering with Australia’s premier equestrian competition, the Australian International 3 Day Event in Adelaide. This year’s 3 Day Event, scheduled for November, has been cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Mr Cornell said he was pleased TRSA was able to maintain its valuable partnership with equestrian.
“This sponsorship is an important way for us to recognise and reward thoroughbreds that have transitioned ‘off the track’ from racing into other forms of equestrian competition,” Mr Cornell said.
“We believe it is an important way for us to encourage those in equestrian sports to consider retired thoroughbreds.”
IMAGE: Royal and Chris Lawrie at Canberra Royal in 2019. Royal was bred in the Adelaide Hills. Foaled in 2012, he is by the successful Sadler’s Wells stallion, High Chaparral (Ire). Royal is out of 2006 South Australian Broodmare of the Year, Beat the Bullet (by Bite The Bullet). Royal raced as Last Bullet and was trained by John Hyam at Morphetville. He won three from 20 starts and amassed $156,820 in prizemoney. PHOTO: Julie Wilson
