Showcasing the Off the Track Thoroughbreds of Windsor Polo Club

Windsor Polo Club played host to some of Australia’s best polo players for the running of the 2019 Windsor Ladies Trophy and the Hector King Cup. The event provided the perfect backdrop to showcase the successful transition of 28 Off the Track Thoroughbreds from the racetrack to the polo field.

The Thoroughbred Club proudly sponsored prizes for the Best Performed Off the Track Thoroughbreds in each of the tournaments.

Sharon Lenton founded the Thoroughbred Club in 2014, looking to support the welfare, sustainable retraining and re-homing of retired racehorses and the club continues to sponsor events to highlight the second careers of thoroughbreds throughout Australia.

“It’s vital we build closer ties between the racing and polo communities to assist with the retraining and rehoming process. At the Thoroughbred Club we work connecting owners, trainers and breeders with players and polo clubs.”, Sharon said.

The Best Performed Off the Track Thoroughbred in the Ladies A Grade Tournament was awarded to MATILDA’S GIRL. The pony is owned by Shannon Booth, bred by Anne Lanham at Widden Stud and trained by Scott Singleton. In the Hector King Cup, GALAXIA, ridden by Zac Hagedorn, and owned and trained by Clem and Sam Gairdner took out the honour.

“We are excited to be working with Windsor Polo Club showcasing the stories of ex-racehorses thriving in their new careers as polo ponies and delighted to see MATILDA’S GIRL, a locally owned, and trained pony take out the award at such a prestigious tournament”, Sharon said.

Riders travelled from around Australia, the USA, UK, New Zealand and Zambia to compete at the prestigious event.

“It was heartening to see the polo community’s commitment to rehoming Off the Track Thoroughbreds. In speaking to Clem and Sam Gardiner of Bakers Bridge Polo, the pair shared they have retrained and rehomed in excess of 90 ex-racehorses as polo ponies over the past 5 years. Sam, a certified Racing Victoria retrainer, is a great example of the positive outcomes that can be achieved when the racing and polo communities work together”, Sharon said.

INQUIRIES – contact Hannah Brooks on 0412 257 882 or EMAIL