Retired racehorses get new lease on life as showjumping TV stars
More than 50 former racehorses will be put to the test in a series of challenges as part of a new reality TV show, set for filming on Monday.
VIC News
Don't miss out on the headlines from VIC News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
More than 50 retired racehorses will be show off their showjumping prowess for a reality TV series on the Mornington Peninsula on Monday.
The 54 former gallopers will compete in the second series of Jump Off at Boneo Park Equestrian Centre.
The thoroughbreds and their riders will battle it out in three categories for horses of different racing and jumping backgrounds.
Among the competitors is three-time Olympics equestrian Vicki Roycroft who will ride Austin’s Cane, an 11-year-old gelding who raced 24 times.
Racing Victoria’s Off The Track program is a major sponsor of the series which has gone national this year.
RV chief executive Giles Thompson said thoroughbreds were highly versatile animals.
“To see them leave the racetrack and be retrained to develop the skills needed to showjump is great to see,’’ Mr Thompson said.
“The horses competing in the Jump Off Series Two final are all retired racehorses who have come through qualifying heats in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland for their shot at glory on Melbourne Cup eve.’’
The Off The Track program has sponsored more than 700 equestrian events in which 15,000 retired racehorses have competed, he said.
Melbourne production company Showmakers will film the latest season of Jump Off which will be broadcast on Channel 7 on November 17.
MORE NEWS:
ULTIMATE MELBOURNE CUP FORM GUIDE
WILL LUCKY $50 BE A CUP OMEN FOR SURPRISE BABY?
BARRIER DRAW: IS LANE POISED TO STRIKE AGAIN?
The production of the series comes after Racing Victoria last month announced a $25 million program to treat thoroughbreds with humanity in the wake of devastating reports of the mistreatment of retired racehorses.
The plan will track retired gallopers, rehome them and establish a welfare task force to prevent cruelty.