New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) and Equestrian Sports New Zealand (ESNZ) today announced a joint initiative aimed at increasing opportunities for second careers for Thoroughbred horses retiring from racing and raising awareness of the adaptability of Thoroughbreds for second careers in equestrian sport. The initiative, titled Thoroughbreds in Equestrian Sport (TiES), also aims to increase links between the Thoroughbred racing industry, the wider equestrian community and the public to stimulate uptake of ex-racehorses for second careers. A series of competitions for Thoroughbreds only, spread across three equestrian disciplines – Jumping, Eventing and Dressage – will be added to this season’s equestrian competition schedule. The TiES Competitions summary is included below. Each horse will accumulate points over the duration of the designated shows, determined by their overall placing in an individual class, and the horse with the highest number of points at the show will be awarded prizes and the title ‘TiES [Eventing/Jumping/Dressage] Champion. ‘ A Grand Prize will also be awarded to the highest placing Thoroughbred (regardless of discipline) in the season under review at the close of the season. Matthew Goodson, Chairman of NZTR, said: “Racing people are passionate about their horses and they recognise that it is in the interests of both the Thoroughbred horse and the Thoroughbred racing industry, and all its participants, including breeders, trainers, jockeys and stable staff, to maintain sound horse welfare programmes. That extends to the welfare of our retiring racehorses and horses which do not make it to the races.” “As part of NZTR’s response to this, we have entered into this partnership with ESNZ.” “Our ultimate goal is to achieve a balance between the number of horses leaving racing and the number of enthusiastic and suitable, new homes able to take on the responsibility of looking after a former racehorse.” Jim Ellis, ESNZ Chief Executive, added: “Numerous retrained Thoroughbreds make their mark on the equestrian circuit each season and ESNZ is excited to launch the TiES programme with NZTR. For many years the New Zealand Thoroughbred was recognised as the ideal Eventing horse and is still the first choice for many top Event Riders around the world.“ “Increasingly Thoroughbreds are making their mark in our other disciplines especially in Showjumping and Dressage. These new competitions will recognise the hard work and years of training that are involved in producing a retrained Thoroughbred to a high level of achievement in equestrian sport.” “ESNZ acknowledges the support of Thoroughbred Racing and looks forward to an exciting new series of competitions in 2014.” An integral part of this initiative will be consulting with aftercare specialists and examining ways to increase uptake of ex-racehorses for equestrian sport. It is also intended to increase knowledge of where racehorses go when they leave racing which will help develop a wider strategy for ex-racehorses. THOROUGHBREDS IN EQUESTRIAN SPORT COMPETITIONS SUMMARY: The TiES JUMPING COMPETITIONS will take place at the following events: · National Championships, National Equestrian Centre McLeans Island, Christchurch, 6-9 February 2014 · Taranaki Showjumping Series Finals, 8-9 March 2014 Each horse will accumulate points over the duration of the show determined by their overall placing in an individual class and the horse with the highest number of points at the show will be awarded the title of TiES Jumping Champion. The title is open to all Thoroughbred horses that meet the criteria below and are competing in classes from 1 metre to 1.30 metres during the show. Horses may not compete in more than two classes per day. The TiES DRESSAGE COMPETITIONS will take place at the following events: South Island Dressage Championships, National Equestrian Centre McLeans Island, 24-26 January National Championships, Manfeild, 27 February - 1 March Each horse will earn TiES points over the duration of each show determined by their overall placing in the championship in each level and individual class. The horse with the highest number of championship points will be awarded the title of TiES Dressage North Island and TiES Dressage South Island Champions. An overall national prize will also be awarded to the horse with the most points over both events. The TiEs competition is open to all levels of Thoroughbred horses competing at these two key dressage events. The TiES EVENTING COMPETITIONS will take place at the following events: · National Equestrian Centre McLeans Island, 1 March 2014 · Te Rapa, Waikato, 19-20 April 2014 · Central Districts, 26-27 April 2014 2014 is the first year for the programme which will see three qualifying classes in the North and South islands and a final at the prestigious NRM National Three Day Event in May. Run over 1* level the three qualifying classes will provide combinations the chance to qualify for the final, to be run in conjunction with the 1* class at the NRM National Three Day Event in May. All combinations who complete a qualifying event will be able to compete for the overall Eventing prize which will be awarded to the highest place qualified combination in the 1* class at the NRM National Three Day Event. CRITERIA: For Thoroughbreds registered with NZTR. They do not need to have raced. NOTES: In November 2013 NZTR introduced a new Rule to the Rules of Racing which offers de-registration of a horse from racing and/or breeding and places certain requirements on the owner of a horse leaving the racing industry to inform NZTR when a horse is sold or gifted to another party, including the full identity and contact details of the new owner. Form SR24 nzracing.co.nz/Downloads/Forms/SR24.pdf
Posted on: Thu, 30 Jan 2014 02:59:59 +0000
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