The popular Off the Track class will feature at 90% of the Victorian Agricultural Shows (VAS) this Spring, providing multiple opportunities for horses to qualify for the coveted final at the Victorian VAS Saddle Horse Championships in Bendigo in January.

 

Now in its second season, the Racing Victoria (RV)-sponsored Off The Track Show Series is exclusively open to retired racehorses who have started in an official trial or race, locally, nationally or internationally.

 

VAS Ltd  Executive Officer Rod Bowles said the Off The Track Show Series was a popular innovation and was a great way to showcase the talents of retired racehorses.

 

“There are currently thousands of retired racehorses in Victoria succeeding in their post racing lives as show horses,” Bowles said.

 

“We are pleased to be working closely with Racing Victoria to showcase the suitability of retired racehorses and look forward to watching the competition unfold.”

 

RV’s Equine Welfare Officer, Cara Kavanagh, said the wealth of retired racehorses within the show horse industry is indicative of their suitability for off the track disciplines.

 

“Many thousands of racehorses have gone on to be successful show horses; they are highly versatile animals and we have witnessed extraordinary results in the show ring,” Kavanagh said.

 

“Racing Victoria is excited to be supporting the series which will further promote the retired racehorse as the ideal equestrian athlete.

 

Once a horse has won an Off the Track class they will gain automatic entry into the Off the Track Show Series final where the winner takes home a $1000 cash prize, rug and garland.

 

Each class winner receives $50 and an Off the Track prize pack. Winners are ineligible for the class for the rest of the season.

 

Talented teenager Samantha McMaster and her retired racehorse, Desert King mare DP Destiny, claimed honours in last year’s inaugural Off the Track Show Series Final over Shea Hangar and Chosen One.