By Alex Nolan
Off The Track thoroughbred advocate Jane Gollan says it’s vitally important the industry celebrates retired horses just as it celebrates the current crop of champions. Participants and punters alike will get a chance to do so at the fourth annual Aquis Triequithon at Doomben Racecourse, to be held in conjunction with Ascot Handicap Day on April 20.
The event, billed as the Twenty-20 of the Eventing world, will see horse and rider combine to compete in a shortened version of Olympic eventing, which combines dressage, cross-country and show-jumping. Now in its fourth year, the Triequithon aims to showcase what a thoroughbred can do in life after racing.
“I think the event helps give people, particularly owners, reassurance that their horses will be well looked after in their life after racing,” Gollan said.
“Every year we try to choose a mix of on-the-track champions and some who didn’t perform so well … to show that they can still go on to do great things off the track.” Twelve horses and riders will compete throughout the day, headlined by Olympic eventer Rebel Morrow.
Morrow competed at the 2004 Athens Games where she finished 11th in the individual eventing and 7th in the teams section, with thanks to her beloved retired racehorse Oaklee Groover who she purchased for $300.
Prominent racehorse owners Linda and Graham Huddy (of Peachester Lodge) will also provide horses for the event, with thoroughbred rehoming expert Jemma Creighton to conduct an exposition on two of the Huddy’s horses on the Doomben course proper. “It’s really about giving back to the thoroughbred that gives so much to our sport,” Gollan said.
“If you come to the races you’ll get the best of both racing and eventing, it will be a great day of entertainment.”
Racing Queensland will once more throw its support behind the Triequithon, sponsoring the Dressage component of the event. Land Rover will sponsor the cross-country and Peachester Lodge will sponsor the show-jumping.
Aquis, which has continued to throw significant support behind the Queensland racing industry, has come aboard as the event’s major sponsor yet again. Tickets to the Aquis Triequithon Trackside Marquee are $130pp and include entry to the racecourse, cocktail menu, five-hour beverage package and front-row access to all of the best eventing and racing action. Article credited to Alex Nolan and first published: https://www.racingqueensland.com.au/
Comments