Coveted once, now living in oblivion

Unless you’re the likes of Daylami, who now has a job at stud or Desert Orchid and whose appearances on TV and at summer fetes kept him occupied during his twilight years, for those that weren’t perhaps household names there seems very little a retired race horse can do to keep itself occupied.

I often wondered what happened to my favourite horse, Obliterate, who only managed to win one small race at Bangor nearly 10 years ago but was a true gent in both his stable and to ride and an animal that would have certainly given pleasure to someone who was prepared to give him the time he needed to recover from previous racing injuries. I have no doubt he would have made a fantastic three-day event horse.

Unfortunately I have no idea what became of him, and my fear that he is probably ‘down under’ seems highly likely.

Which is a shame, because for those that have lived and worked in racing yards will be aware, there are so many equine individuals that pass through the stable in a factory-like manner and are simply forgotten about once they exit in a horse box for the last time.

Too professional

It seems, for many, once their work on the race course is finished, whether they are any good or not, our four-legged friends are simply discarded to make room for new inmates with the hope that they will become better than their predecessors.

Many owners love and care for their charges and are able to offer post-racing accommodation, while several others couldn’t care less and will quite happily accept a small fee to rid themselves of their former racer despite all the pleasure and enjoyment it may have given them during its racing days and plead ignorance to its whereabouts.

Vets advised that War Emblem, who scored in the first two legs of the US Triple Crown in 2001, should undergo surgery to repair chips in his knees and fetlock.

Insult to injury

Despite experienced advice, the owner and trainer decided against the decision and raced the horse, hence he was injured in the Belmont Stakes, never raced again and to add insult to injury was sold on twice after.

Obviously the owner felt his dual classic winner owed him much more! Many will remember 1984 Grand National winner, Hallo Dandy, being found neglected and emaciated in a field many years after his most famous of victories.
I am extremely pleased to report that he is now being very well looked after at the Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre in Wiltshire.

It is fair to say that circumstances like this are very few and far between and do not happen often; but is worth considering what fate awaits the next time a horse comes to the end of its racing life.

There are lots of centres and establishments that are set up specifically for when a thoroughbred crosses the winning post for the last time, and at the relatively young age of 10 or 12, our equine friends have plenty more to offer!