Racing Victoria extends partnership with Equestrian Victoria

Racing Victoria (RV) is continuing its long-standing association with Equestrian Victoria (EV) by extending its Off The Track naming rights sponsorship in 2021.

The formal partnership provides RV an important opportunity to promote its Off The Track program to the equestrian community and drive demand for retired gallopers as suitable horses for all equestrian disciplines.

A feature of the partnership is RV’s support of dedicated Off The Track categories and prizes for riders competing at EV major championships and regional events across Victoria.

Since the commencement of the Off The Track program in 2012, there have been over 15,000 collective former racehorse appearances at Victorian equestrian events. This highlights the growing interest from equestrian riders in thoroughbreds as performance horses.

An important extension of the sponsorship beyond the shows and awards currently supported, is a new five-part series of educational clinics for off the track horse owners. The clinics will take place at various locations across Victoria and will be open to EV members and RV Acknowledged Retrainers.

Future opportunities for EV members who own an off the track horse will be increased when RV launches its new online post-racing platform next year to support its Off The Track community and aid in the visibility of horses post-racing.

RV’s partnership with EV is made possible by the Victorian racing industry’s three-year $25 million expanded and accelerated equine welfare action plan, which has a priority on the wellbeing of retired racehorses.

Attributable Quotes:

Racing Victoria General Manager - Equine Welfare, Jennifer Hughes:

“We are thrilled to once again partner with Equestrian Victoria and support those riders competing with off the track horses.

“It is great that we can also extend our sponsorship from the competition arena to educational opportunities throughout 2021, through a series of five clinics to further enhance the experience for Equestrian Victoria members who own an off the track horse. This is key to supporting longevity for horses in their post-racing homes.

“Our Off The Track program has created a strong, positive and encouraging community for equestrian riders to opt for a thoroughbred as a performance horse, no matter their preferred equestrian discipline.

“The support of the equestrian community is providing an important pathway for former racehorses to find their perfect second career. This sponsorship complements our recently launched RESET Program, and our partnership with the Riding for the Disabled Association of Victoria, to assist those horses that struggled to transition to a second career.

“We also look forward to welcoming all off the track owners to our new post-racing platform next year. Creating a hub to register your horse, find events, take up additional educational opportunities and follow the stories of other horses.

“As the community works towards a COVID safe environment, we look forward to seeing everyone back competing. It’s the heart and soul of equestrian, and we know thoroughbreds love the challenge, so I can’t wait to be back out watching all the wonderful horses at Equestrian Victoria events.”

Equestrian Victoria CEO, Matthew Brown:

"Racing Victoria’s Off The Track program is fast becoming a staple in the Equestrian Victoria community, with their recommitment to supporting our community through a major sponsorship agreement in 2021.

“This generous support will continue to support the promotion of off the track thoroughbreds at Equestrian Victoria events, as well as the implementation of exclusive off the track initiatives for our members. We are really excited about the new offerings and continued support by Racing Victoria.

“Many Equestrian Victoria members have or are taking up off the track horses which supports retiring thoroughbred racehorses in their transition into their second career through equestrian sport.

“I would like to thank Racing Victoria for their ongoing support. We have built a great relationship with the Off The Track team and I look forward to continuing our work together into the future.”

Media Release courtesy of Racing Victoria