Ex-racehorse champions at Greatwood Open Day

Some celebrity ex-racehorses will be strutting their stuff at Greatwood's Open Day on Sunday, 14th June. Bindaree ( former Grand National winner turned dressage star!), New Seeker, Cool Dawn and Edredon Bleu are just a few of the former champions who will be parading to delight the crowds. Also there, of course, will be Greatwood favourites Deano's Beano, Montendre, and Potentate, as well as all the current ex-racer 'guests' in the various stages of their rehabilitation.

As you'll no doubt already know, Greatwood Retired Racehorse Centre, ( on the A345 just outside Marlborough in Wiltshire) is a charity that relies on donations to fund its tremendous work rehabilitating and rehoming ( where possible) ex-racehorses that have fallen on hard times. ( And there are an enormous number of them these days!) Not only that, but Greatwood has now expanded its activities so that children with special needs can visit and interact with the horses. Two 'Special Needs' groups helping each other ! - the way the world ought to be.

So, the annual Open Day is an important opportunity for Greatwood to show what it does, and hopefully attract those much-needed funds and sponsorships. This year's event is sponsored by William Hill, and will be a fun-packed occasion. Apart from all the horses, there will be a display of working sheepdogs ( and ducks and geese!) by Bob Hogg,as well as various family entertainments, trade stands, refreshments, and a picnic area.

Tickets cost just £5, and children under 12 get in free. Dogs are welcome on a lead.
Sunday 14th June 12.00noon - 4.00pm
For more info tel: 01672 514535

Royal Predica - Veteran Champion

Ange and Perds have done it again ! Royal Predica won the Veteran Section in his TB/ex-racehorse class at Devon County Show , and came 5th overall. Not a bad achievement for this ex-Grand National steeplechaser who had never even seen a showring when Ange got him just over two years ago. Ange is thrilled. "He was an absolute star," she says. "He was sooo chilled, and went the best he's ever gone."

Perds' preparation for the show had been delayed due to him having a cough, so schooling and getting fit had only really been possible in the two weeks prior to the big day. Just proves, you can't keep a great champ down ! Well done, Ange and Perds.