Over the years, Nigel has been an important part of the Centre, bringing an exceptional knowledge of thoroughbreds, professionalism, kindness and energy to the role. Nothing has ever been too much trouble, and his dedication and care have made a real difference to the horses and the day-to-day running of the yard. We have been incredibly fortunate to have him as part of our team and cannot thank him enough for everything he has done.

We wish Nigel a very happy and well-deserved retirement, with plenty of time to enjoy a new chapter away from the daily demands of the yard. He leaves some very big boots to fill!

As Nigel hangs up his boots, we are delighted to welcome Barry Smith, who is taking the reins as our new Yard Manager.

Barry brings with him a lifelong connection with racing. Born in Canada, where both his parents trained racehorses, he moved to England at 11. By 16, he was already working in racing and had also experienced the thrill of riding in flat races.

His interest in retraining racehorses began when he and his wife took on their first ex-racehorse, who proved to have a real talent for showing. That first experience sparked a passion which has continued to grow. Two of their horses have since competed in the main ring at the RoR Championships at Hickstead. Barry particularly enjoys watching each horse develop, gain confidence and flourish in a new career.

Looking after the horses is, of course, only one part of the Yard Manager’s role. There are tack repairs, farriers, dentists and vets to organise, as well as feed, hay and straw to order. Then there’s the never-ending battle with the mud, not to mention harrowing, rolling, strimming and mowing – the list really does go on!

We are very much looking forward to working with Barry at the Centre as part of the team and wish him every success in his new role.

The post A New Chapter at the Racehorse Sanctuary and Rehoming Centre appeared first on The Racehorse Sanctuary.

Our visitors enjoyed meeting all our beautiful horses, some happily grazing in their paddocks while others came out to parade. We were delighted to welcome Chloe and her daughter Angelina, who travelled from Hertfordshire with William and Charlie, better known as Catalyse and Stake Acclaim. We are so fortunate to have such wonderful Keepers who care so deeply about their horses.

Poppy also rode Dual Identity, who spent his last day at the Centre with us before heading off to his new home with Poppy on Sunday. We wish them both every happiness and lots of wonderful adventures together!

A huge apology to anyone who missed out on one of our delicious burgers or sausages – we completely sold out! We promise to order more next year. Our ice cream man was absolutely delighted, declaring it his best day ever. We also welcomed more stalls this year, along with the RoR team. Natasha was busy chatting to visitors all day and was amazed by the fantastic turnout.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who came along and supported us.

We are thrilled to have raised even more money than we did at last year’s event. Every penny makes a real difference to the lives of the horses in our care, and we are so grateful to everyone who contributed.

A fond farewell to Nigel

This year’s Open Day was particularly special, as it was Nigel’s last before his retirement on Friday 23 October. Nigel will be greatly missed by all of us – and, of course, by the horses!

His knowledge of thoroughbreds, professionalism, kindness and seemingly boundless energy have made him an exceptional member of the Racehorse Sanctuary team. He has been a true legend, and we cannot thank him enough for everything he has done over the years. We wish him a very happy and well-deserved retirement.

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Portrait emotion finds his forever home

Christina, one of our volunteers has re-homed Portrait Emotion AKA Buddy.

“I hadn’t planned on getting another horse, but nearly four years after losing my beloved Fen, who was with me for 27 years, I began to realise that it wasn’t just him I missed, but the special connection between human and horse.

Buddy arrived at the Sanctuary in late June 2025, and as a volunteer, I spent time with him, just as I do with all the horses. One day, after Nigel finished exercising Buddy, he remarked, “This one would be perfect for you.” The rest, as they say, is history. By September, I found a yard and became Buddy’s keeper. It has been brilliant; he’s a true star and a contented soul. My happy hacker, he has restored the joy of horse and rider partnership. I feel like myself again, and he will be a delight until I am truly too old to climb aboard. It’s comforting to know that when the time comes, he will return to the safety of The Racehorse Sanctuary and Re-homing Centre.

Latest fundraising efforts

Some of our supporters have also been busy during the winter months raising donations for the Centre.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Badgers Public House at Coultershaw Bridge, Petworth. In December and January, Jules and Simon generously donated the proceeds from their Sunday lunch raffles, and they also held a New Year’s Eve auction for us. The total amount raised was an impressive £723.

Our main fundraising event at plumpton – cancelled

We were deeply sorry for having to cancel our annual fundraising event last November due to insufficient ticket sales. This was very disheartening, especially considering all the hard work put into organising the event by both Plumpton and our team and volunteers here at the Centre. As a charity, we depend entirely on the kindness of our donors, sponsors, and the general public to fund the care and re-homing of the horses we look after. Financially, the winter months pose the greatest challenge of the year.

So, with free wills month fast approaching, we would be grateful if you would consider leaving a legacy in your will, however small, to the Racehorse Sanctuary and Re-homing Centre so that we can continue our valuable work with ex-racehorses.

What is Free Wills Month?

Free Wills Month runs twice a year in the UK, during March and October, offering individuals aged 55 and over the chance to have simple wills written or updated at no cost via participating solicitors. The campaign encourages, but does not require, the inclusion of charitable legacy gifts. Appointments are limited, filled on a first-come, first-served basis, and the offer applies to basic estate planning in selected locations.

If this might be something you would like to consider then take a look at our Free Will Month page for more information. You can also find more information on leaving a gift in your will by downloading our free Will Guide

Free Will Guide

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On Sunday, 31st August, we had the privilege of being invited to David Menuisier’s yard at Coomblands in West Sussex. David, a Grade 1-winning trainer, has achieved victories in the UK, France, Germany, Sweden, and Australia. We brought along our merchandise and informational leaflets, and we were pleased to see approximately 500 visitors.

Attendees enjoyed viewing the beautiful racehorses, a demonstration by the farrier, and an insightful talk by David. We received significant interest, providing us the opportunity to explain the mission of The Racehorse Sanctuary and Rehoming Centre.

Our annual open day

Our open day on 6th September was the most successful to date. Despite a preceding week of rain, the sun shone brightly on the event. Attendance increased, and there were more trade stands than ever before. Doyen (Spider) and Portrait Emotion (Buddy) paraded and both conducted themselves impeccably. Buddy has since been re-homed with Christina, one of our dedicated volunteers.

Chloe and Angelina, who now care for Catalyze (Charlie) and Stake Acclaim (William), traveled from Hertfordshire. Angelina rode Charlie, while Chloe presented William in hand. Their participation followed their recent attendance at the RoR Championships, showcasing our re-homed horses beautifully.

The BBQ was a resounding success, selling out completely (we will ensure more burgers and sausages next year), and the ice cream van was in high demand. Overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable day for all involved.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of the day.

Plumpton Raceday – 3rd November 2025

We are pleased to announce that our charity fundraising Raceday is confirmed for Monday, November 3rd, 2025, at Plumpton Racecourse in Lewes, East Sussex.

This Raceday serves as our primary fundraising event of the year, uniting a remarkable group of individuals to generate essential support for our charity. Following the success of last two year’s, we are excited to return to Plumpton.

Plumpton Racecourse is a hidden gem in the horse racing world, offering a picturesque rural setting where guests can enjoy lovely food and beverages while experiencing an unforgettable sporting event. The day is designed for everyone, from novices to seasoned racing enthusiasts.

The event will feature seven thrilling races, with one dedicated to our chair, Edmund O’Reilly Hyland, who sadly passed away earlier this year from cancer, alongside crucial fundraising activities. Our charity lunch will take place at the Final Fence Restaurant, situated on the racecourse lawns next to the final fence and last furlong, providing an unparalleled vantage point to enjoy the day’s excitement.

Tickets are priced at £115 per person, which includes a welcome drink upon arrival, a delectable three-course lunch with half a bottle of wine per person, a silent auction, fundraising games, a main auction with exciting lots, and a raffle. Additionally, a tipster will be available to help in making informed bets.

We are also thrilled to announce the presence of our beloved Pete The Feat, who will be located in the Retired Racehorse Stable throughout the day.

Schedule to be confirmed.

To secure your place, please book online here. Alternatively, contact Catherine via email for any help you need.

The post Our annual open day success appeared first on The Racehorse Sanctuary.

The first month William was allowed to relax, get to know the new yard and just enjoying being a horse. During this time, he had a new saddle fitted, visits from the physio and the vet, who all confirmed he was fit and well and could begin his journey as a riding horse. We started in-hand showing and enjoyed hacks out with other horses. He was petrified of the Shetland on our yard, but with plenty of meets and greets he soon got used to the pony and didn’t get his knickers in a twist every time he walked past. William wasn’t fazed at shows and the judges were astonished at his behaviour, given he was not long off the track.

The following spring, we began our showing season. We received many firsts in ‘Best Turned Out’ and always first or second in ‘in-hand RoR’. These shows with their busy environments didn’t bother him he just took them in his stride. William went on to win the end of year championship for in-hand RoR and reserve champion for Best Turned Out at our local show.

In the summer of 2024, we sadly lost our beloved Dashing-Chief, breaking both William and my heart but we helped each other through it. I know if I had not had William, it would have been the end of my riding career.

In the autumn of 2024, we began our schooling journey taking William to regular pole clinics and completing our first walk and trot dressage test, scoring an impressive 62%. Unfortunately, William never found another friend like Dash, so the only thing that we could do, was to contact the Sanctuary once more, to find William a friend. Luckily, I have a 19-year-old daughter who had also fallen in love with William and was ready to take on her own ex-racehorse.

Fast forward to spring 2025, we have bought home the beloved Charlie, also known as Catalyze.

So what is planned for this year? William is now ready for RoR County in-hand as well as starting the local RoR ridden classes.

The last thing to add to this is that this is a perfect love story, till death do us part.

The post Stake-Acclaim aka William appeared first on The Racehorse Sanctuary.

The Racehorse Sanctuary hosted its second charity race day on Monday, November 18th at Plumpton. We were thrilled to see so many loyal supporters and to welcome many new faces.

Lunch at the Final Fence restaurant was excellent, and it offered a fantastic view of the course. Our guests enjoyed tipster Colin Brown’s insights on the race card, and quite a few were lucky enough to collect their winnings after each race.

The “Heads or Tails” game was as entertaining as ever, alongside a raffle and a live auction. Tara kindly took on the role of auctioneer and did a brilliant job.

Pete the Feat, our retired racehorse, was a hit in his stable, graciously meeting many people who remembered him from his racing days.

The event had a wonderful atmosphere, and we’ve received great feedback. All in all, everyone had a fabulous day.

Our horses are looking fantastic, which is especially pleasing as we head into winter. Recently arrived Ollie and Run have settled in nicely and are now retired, set to enjoy the rest of their days with us.

Mouse has been re-homed and is happy with her new keeper, Cailin. They are truly a perfect pair. Cailin is a talented young rider preparing for several outings in 2025.

A big thank you from all at the Racehorse Sanctuary and Rehoming Centre must go to Joanna Wyatt from The ROG for her generous donation of £1,000 on race day.

The post A great day at Plumpton for our charity Raceday appeared first on The Racehorse Sanctuary.

Our charity fundraising Raceday is confirmed and we’re delighted to be heading back to Plumpton Racecourse, in Lewes, East Sussex, on Monday, the 18th November 2024.

This Raceday is our main fundraising event of the year, where we bring together a great group of people to raise vital funds for our charity. This will be the second year of hosting this November event, and after the success of last year, we knew we needed to go back!

Plumpton is the hidden gem in the world of horse racing. With a stunning rural backdrop, you can enjoy delicious food and drink whilst having a memorable sporting experience. And it’s for everyone, from novice to racing expert.

This fixture combines seven brilliant races with key fundraising for us. Our charity lunch will be held in the Final Fence Restaurant. This is located on the lawns of the racecourse alongside the final fence and last furlong. It’s the best spot to have a great day, and be right at the heart of the action.

Tickets are £110 per person, which includes a welcome drink on arrival, delicious 3-course lunch and half a bottle of wine per person, a silent auction, fundraising games and a main auction with some exciting lots, plus a raffle. There will also be a tipster to help us hopefully back a few winners!

Our superstar Pete The Feat will also be there! Find him in the Retired Racehorse Stable on the day.

Approximate timings TBC –

Gates Open – 10:30 AM
First Race – 12.30 PM
Last Race – 3.55 PM

Please secure your place by booking online here. Or alternatively email Catherine and she will be happy to help.

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FIGHTING TEMERAIRE HAS BEEN REHOMED

Fighting Temeraire has finally found his forever home. He will be joining Ellie who lives on the edge of The Ashdown Forest and she came collected him last Friday.

Tem passed a 5-stage vetting and Ellie is delighted to be rehoming him. She is hoping to do some low-level eventing with him and has promised to keep in touch.

OLLIE JOINS US AS THE CENTRE

Sowdrey, aka Ollie, will be arriving on the 20th May 2024 and join our group of retired horses. This will be his forever home as he will not be re-homed. He is 20 years old, Dam – In the Wings, Sire – Cadeaux Genereux, and bred by Darley at the Kildangan Stud in Ireland. Trained by Mick Shannon, he raced until he was six and came 2nd on several occasions.

ALEX SETH-SMITH

We now have a new additional volunteer on our team here at the Centre, Alex Seth-Smith, who is a qualified practitioner of The Masterson Method^®.

She explains – “as a previous owner of an ex-racehorse, I have first-hand experience of what can be required in this important period of readjustment. At The Racehorse Sanctuary and Rehoming Centre, my role is to work with the horses to locate and ease the tension that has a restricting effect through the body, using a specific range of techniques and touch. The Masterson Method^®, enables the harmful effects of accumulated muscle tension to be released, easing excessive pressure on ligaments, tendons, and long-term compensation patterns. It is a pleasure to contribute to the rehabilitation process of these beautiful animals”.  

Alex visits us every few months to treat the horses free of charge.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Fete in the park 2024

This year for the first time we will be attending The Fete in the Park at Petworth on the 29th of June 2024. It is a very well attended event, with between 3 and 4 thousand people attending last year, is a great family day out, and entrance is free! The Fete starts at 12.00 noon and finishes at 5.00pm, followed by a free concert until 8.00 pm. The Racehorse Sanctuary and Re-homing Centre will be there as a local charity.

Annual Open Day

On Saturday the 14th of September 2024 we will be holding our annual Open Day. This event is very popular with all our supporters, both old and new! Please put the date in your diary and come and join us for a fun day out. More information will be released closer to the time.

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As winter approaches, the cost of feed, hay, bedding, and veterinary bills puts a significant strain on our resources. We understand that this is a challenge faced by horse owners across the country. That’s why we are incredibly grateful for any donations we receive, especially during the winter season.

If you are able to support us in any way, especially this winter, there are several ways you can make a donation. Donations can be made easily through our website, by phone, text, or mail. Simply visit our website for more information.

However, if you are looking to make a long-term commitment and contribute to the care of our resident horses, sponsoring a horse may be the perfect option for you.

Sponsor a Horse this winter

Your sponsorship goes towards the care of all our horses at the Centre. The Sanctuary Sponsorship Scheme allows you to become a part of our family of Sanctuary Supporters, with a commitment that truly makes a difference.

At the Centre, some horses cannot be rehomed due to various reasons or require regular specialised attention. These horses become permanent residents and find their forever home with us.

We currently have seven horses available for sponsorship as they will remain with us for the rest of their lives. Their names are Snowdrop, Mr. Vitality, Pete The Feat, Dudley Allen, Zellensky, Sir Cozzie, and Jardines Lookout. More information about each horse can be found on the residents page of our website.

Sponsoring a horse involves an annual payment of £250 for one year. As a sponsor, you will receive a large photo of the horse you choose, regular newsletters, and invitations to various events. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Centre in Mulsey, where you can meet your sponsored horse, receive updates from our team, and enjoy a cup of coffee and cake.

Your commitment as a sponsor is vital in securing a future for these horses. Sponsorship can be done individually or as a group, such as with friends, family, or fellow horse enthusiasts at your livery or racing yard. Or a Christmas present to a family member.

What you need to do

Simply download and complete the sponsorship form from our website, and return it to: The Racehorse Sanctuary, 2 Crouch Farm Cottages, Barlavington, Petworth, West Sussex GU28 0LQ. Payment options are available on the form. If you are a UK taxpayer, don’t forget to fill in the Gift Aid section.

We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for all your support and donations. No matter the amount you can afford to give, it means the world to our entire team, and especially to the horses!

The post Winter Appeal 2023: Sponsor a Horse appeared first on The Racehorse Sanctuary.

Our Raceday is at Plumpton Racecourse, Lewes. It is the hidden gem in the world of horse racing. With a stunning rural backdrop, you can enjoy delicious food and drink whilst having a memorable sporting experience. And it’s for everyone, from novice to racing expert. This fixture combines seven brilliant races with key fundraising for the Racehorse Sanctuary and Rehoming Centre.

Alongside a charity lunch in the Final Fence Restaurant, there will be a silent auction that any racegoer can visit and bid on, as well as a raffle. There are still tables available so please secure your place by booking our final fence package.

Gates Open – 10:30 AM
First Race – 12:30 PM
Last Race – 3:55 PM

ENCLOSURES

There is one enclosure available at this fixture, the Grandstand & Paddock, where you are grandstand side and have access to the parade ring and all bars (unfortunately no dogs except assistance dogs are allowed).

FOOD & DRINK

Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure

There is a lovely selection of local and national drinks available from our three racecourse bars on the Grandstand side of the course and bean to cup coffee from the Southdown Stand, which also serves deli-style food. There are catering concessions serving a wide range of food options behind the grandstands for you to enjoy, while pies and light refreshments can be purchased from the Paddock Bar and Chasers Bar. No food or drink in any form will be allowed to be brought into the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure (everything must be bought on site).

For more information on the hospitality packages click here>

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