Summer 2017
Sir Peter
O’Sullevan
Charitable Trust
Dear Supporters,
I hope you enjoy reading our 2017 newsletter, which contains all our BTRC - Official Charity of QIPCO British Champions
news and updates on the events that we have enjoyed throughout the Day 2016 at Ascot
year as well as information on our future activities.
We were very privileged to be named the official charity of QIPCO British
As always without you, our dedicated core supporters, we would not Champions Day 2016 that was held at Ascot on Saturday 15th October
be able to continue our work. This work ensures as many horses as 2016.
possible have the opportunity of learning new skills. The Centre offers
post racing equestrian training, whilst guaranteeing to provide a safety We attended the event with Olympian Carlos Parro, who paraded his
net to protect those Thoroughbreds in the equestrian sector who, Olympic event horse and retrained British racehorse ‘Summon Up The
through no fault of their own, are facing potential welfare issues.
Blood’.
Over the course of the last twelve months seventy-seven horses have Rod Street, Chief Executive
entered the retraining and rehoming programme at the Centre of which of British Champions Series,
thirty–three have already been successfully rehomed (page 2).
said: “We are delighted
The British Thoroughbred
A third of the horses entering the Centre were gifted by owners and Retraining Centre is to be
trainers to receive post racing equestrian training and then to be offered the official charity for QIPCO
on loan to safeguard their future. We appreciate the support of these British Champions Day 2016
owners and trainers who gave us a donation to support the retraining in their 25th anniversary
of their horses. The remaining two thirds of the horses that entered the year. The work they do is
Centre were deemed by the racing industry as being potentially at risk. vital to ensuring that horses,
These are the horses that benefitted from our fundraising activities and who have given us so much
charitable donations.
pleasure during their careers
on the track, go on to lead
If you would like to find out more about our work and how to support enjoyable and productive lives
us you can become a ‘Friend of BTRC’ (page 4). This is a fantastic way after retirement from racing.”
to be more involved with our horses and the work that we do, it also
includes visits to the Centre and priority bookings on all BTRC events.
We are also delighted in this edition to be able to highlight and share
with you some of the stories of our horses that have been successfully BTRC Aintree Race Day Supported by Betfred and the
rehomed and who are now excelling in many different disciplines in their Jockey Club
new life with their loaners (page 5).
On Saturday 5th November, at Aintree Racecourse, the ‘Betfred BTRC
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you all to the Race Day’ provided a spectacular day out. To celebrate our 25th
Centre on Saturday 19th August to enjoy our Open Day which is sure Anniversary, Betfred and The Jockey Club spent the day promoting our
to be a fun filled day for all the family – see page 6 for more information. Charity.
Warm wishes,
The world’s biggest independent bookmaker, Betfred kindly offered the
day to The BTRC to assist us with the on-going fundraising to build new
stables at the Centre.
Gillian Carlisle, BHS IISM, BTRC Chief Executive Between races, spectators
also had the chance to see
the BTRC team in action
in the parade ring. Those
horses parading had passed
through the Centre en-route
to full and useful lives in other
equestrian disciplines from
dressage to eventing or even
as happy hackers.
Thanks to the generosity of race goers, The BTRC raised more than
£4,000 through The Jockey Club sponsored Sweepstake. Donations,
sales of merchandise, wheel of fortune and a delicious lunch in the
Sefton Room hosted by BTRC Chairman also raised money on the day.
‘For the Welfare, Retraining and Rehoming of Retired Racehorses’
Horses Rehomed 2016/17…
Below are some of the horses that have been fortunate enough to find their forever homes with new loaners, we hope
they have fun together!
Alaghiraar & Jennifer Gypsy Girl & Danni Brae Hill in his new home
Acton Gold & Katie
“I’ve had the pleasure of loaning 3 horses from the centre over the past 9 years. The loan process is easy and when you meet your potential horse
the staff will give you all the history and let you know of any quirks they may have. It’s a fab charity and these ex-racers are retrained to become
wonderful in the show ring, cross country and many other spheres. I’d highly recommended a loan horse from them.” Charisse Deigan
Ginger & loaners daughter Holly High Meadow Jenny & Stacey Manager Mick & Natasha Margold & Katy
“The whole process was very thorough and the centre are fabulous at ensuring that the right horse and rider are matched. They are there to
answer questions at any stage and always happy to help. The centre is amazing and I would recommend to anyone looking for an exrace horse to
apply to the BTRC, my beautiful mare and I are so happy and I am thoroughly grateful to the centre for putting us together.” Danni Bacon
Mojo & Helen Oh What’s Occuring & Charlotte Peckforton Castle & Sian Personal Choice & Meriel
“I found the whole loan process fantastic. We thoroughly enjoyed our visits to the centre. All the staff are lovely and so helpful. Every effort is made to
find the right horse for you and they are completely honest about each of the horses you meet and what they are capable of. Our main requirement was
a horse that is safe to have around our 9 year old daughter and that is exactly what we have. He’s just adorable. I can’t recommend the BTRC highly
enough!” Lisa Stewart
Gypsy Girl’s Story
In November 2016 TRC Gypsy Girl (Ice) along with TRC Sapphire Ice has now found her
Sky (Fire) were to be auctioned at a local horse sale. The sale mainly forever home with a
consisted of cobs and black and white ponies and they were the only two wonderful loaner Danni,
Thoroughbreds included in the sale card. Many people on social media who hopes to compete
were concerned regarding why Thoroughbreds were being sold at such this beautiful 6 year old
a sale. One very kind and generous lady, Anita, decided to do something mare in ROR events in
about it, she went to the horse sale and bought both horses outside the the future. Without the
ring so they did not have to go through any more trauma, especially Ice kindness of both these
who was definitely the more insecure of the two. Anita then boxed the two wonderful people Ice’s
horses up and drove them to the Centre and gifted the girls to BTRC the future would have been
very same day so that we could care for them. somewhat bleak. She
probably would have
Ice was Fire’s shadow for got a few reprimands because of her insecurities and possibly would have
many weeks, they were become even more withdrawn. Now, she can look forward to a fantastic
inseparable! She was very home with someone who will love and care for her! Anita recently went to
unsure of people and if you visit Ice in her new home and meet with Danni – we love a happy ending!
approached her quickly
she would shoot off in the If anyone does have a concern about the welfare of any Thoroughbred or
opposite direction. It took perhaps you know of someone who is struggling to care for their retired
several months before racehorse these please ask them to be call the Centre where we will be
she would come to the happy to give advice and support.
front of the stable and
say hello and get a kiss.
Our assistant trainer Lucy
spent a few months building a relationship and patiently training Ice ready
to be loaned out.
BTRC Partnership with Reaseheath College
As part of a pilot scheme to introduce more equestrian students to Aged between 14 and 18 years old, the horses are perfect for working
Thoroughbreds and encourage careers in the racing industry BTRC have with the Reaseheath students. They are experienced, sound, quiet and
loaned four retired and retrained Thoroughbreds to Reaseheath Equestrian kind, enabling a smooth transition for the students between riding the
College in Nantwich. horses at the College and riding Thoroughbreds.
The former racehorses enjoyed careers on the track before being retired So far, the scheme is proving a huge success. The Thoroughbreds have
and gifted to the Centre. ‘Landescent’ was ridden by well-known jockeys settled in very well and the students are really enjoying riding a different
such as Pat Eddery and Jamie Spencer. ‘Feathergrass’ had seven starts breed of horse. The BTRC will be exploring opportunities to expand this
before being retired for breeding, and ‘Lady In Love’ had two starts. scheme to other colleges in the future.
These three horse came to the BTRC after a change in their respective
owners’ situations meant they were unable to provide the horses with Head of Equine at Reaseheath College, Kerry Owen said, “We have been
the care they required. These horses were deemed vulnerable and were delighted to welcome the BTRC horses to our team. They have settled in
financially supported through our retraining and rehoming programme by really well and are already favourites with the students. Our equine team
the Retraining of Racehorses (RoR). are proud to be working with the BTRC on this scheme and our students
also enjoy raising funds for the charity.”
‘For the Welfare, Retraining and Rehoming of Retired Racehorses’
How You Can Support Our Work
Please help us to change the lives of more horses.
Become a Friend of BTRC
Your support is invaluable in our dedication to thoroughbred welfare, re-training, re-homing
and protection for life. Since the TRC began in 1991 your donations have enabled us to help
many horses and to grow from assisting just 8 horses at a time, to today being able to provide
a place of safe and appropriate re-training for up to 40 horses at any one time.
Raising funds is always a difficult task and never more so than now, however the regular
donations we receive from our friends and committed givers help us enormously to plan
financially throughout the year.
Anyone who becomes a friend of BTRC will receive a complimentary mug (choice of travel mug or porcelain) along with a dedicated Friends day at the
Centre and priority bookings on all BTRC events.
General Donations
As always, we are delighted to receive any donations and legacies to support our work and we continue with our 25th anniversary campaign “Ride for
Retraining” to assist us to build more stables and increase the amount of horses we can help at the Centre.
Your donation can make a huge difference to the horses in our care, and of course, if we are able to claim gift aid on your donation we are able
to increase it by 25% without you having to give an extra penny!
I would like to…
Become a Friend of BTRC (please send me a travel mug or porcelain mug)
Make A Donation of £………………………………………….
Receive more information about leaving a gift to BTRC in my will
Name Telephone
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(inc Postcode)
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I am a UK tax payer and would like to Gift Aid my donation
If you would like to become a friend by donating as little as £3 a month please complete your personal
details above and your bank details below. Once signed up you will receive a confirmation letter from our
Direct Debit team.
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Account Holder
Sort Code Account Number
I would like to donate £………………. Every month to be debited from my account on 1st or 15th
“My little racehorse and I just didn’t get on. I loved him and he hated me. Not wanting to sell him into uncertainty I found BTRC and it was the perfect
solution. His future is now assured and he will never end up at the sales. Thank you BTRC.” Niki Williams
Loaners Success...
The Drystonewaller & Lucy Bally Borris & Nicole Gohh & Juli Defence of Realm & Sue
“Our first outing of the year, Prelim 2 dressage and what a star TRC Abbey Express was coming 2nd place!” TRC Abbey Express – Jane
Tipp Midwest & Louise Freds First & Abi Clueless & Andrew Rapper & Sandra
“A year ago today Disco arrived and it’s been a great year. Huge thanks to the BTRC for letting me have him and for convincing me to take him
on - I thought a 6yo would be too much for me but Ines told me how relaxed and sensible he is and she was 100% right. He’s a superstar and a
pleasure to ride and look after, beautiful inside and out. TBs are the best!” TRC Double Discount – Barbara
Jack Sullivan & Sarah Ideal Recruit & Family Double Discount & Barbara Abbey Express & Jane
“Super proud of my gorgeous girl Kia today. A whopping 77% in our first dressage test, with some lovely comments from the judge.” TRC Koeleria -
Toni
Stanley & Jenny Right You Are & Charlotte Koeleria & Toni Organisation & Rachel
Trustees Required
If you are interested in becoming a Trustee for the BTRC and believe your knowledge and experience can help improve the Centre we would like to
hear from you. The role involves attending four Board Meetings each year plus an AGM and helping out at events where possible. Please send a brief
resume outlining why you would like to become involved with BTRC to c/o Gillian Carlisle, Chef Executive, BTRC, Whinney Hill, Aughton Road, Halton,
Lancaster LA2 6PQ by the 1st August 2017. Interviews will take place at the Centre on Friday 11th August.
Future Events 2017 Upcoming Events
Open day July
Cartmel Races
We have another fun filled family day out for Saturday 22nd July
you this year! Taking place on Saturday 19th Cartmel Racecourse,
August from 10.30am we are looking forward to Grange-Over-Sands LA11 6QF
welcoming you to our Open Day & Country Fair.
August
With thrilling displays including the Nottingham Open Day & Country Fair
Knights Horseball team, an incredible falconry on Saturday 19th August
horseback display by Dartmoor Hawking and a BTRC, Whinney Hill, Lancaster LA2 6PQ
mini farm for the children there will definitely be
something for everyone. September
Beverley Races
This year will see the introduction of more stalls Saturday 2nd September
for you to browse, along with the usual favourites! Beverley Racecourse, York Road HU17 8QZ
Alongside all the fun and frolics you will of course Newmarket Open Weekend
be able to meet and greet all of our horses and Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th September
learn more about their backgrounds in racing and Newmarket, Suffolk
what we have planned for their futures.
October
Don’t miss out on this great day for all the family, BTRC Yard Visit
with fun, food, displays, stalls and more. Saturday 7th October 10.30 -1.30
BTRC, Whinney Hill, Lancaster LA2 6PQ
There is no need to book in advance, just turn up
on the day. The entry fee is just a donation of £10 November
per car, so get your family and friends together BTRC Race Day
and come and join us. Saturday 11th November
Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool L9 5AS
The Open Day is held at our Centre: Whinney
Hill, Aughton Road, Halton, Lancaster LA2 December
6PQ. Liverpool International Horse Show
Friday 29th – Monday 31st December
Liverpool Echo Arena