Finalists announced for RoR Awards and My Pension Expert confirmed as partner for 2026 RoR Horse of the Year Award

• Public voting now officially open and closes on 9 January 2026

Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) is delighted to announce the top three finalists for two prestigious awards at The Jockey Club RoR Awards 2025, with public voting now officially open. These awards celebrate the exceptional versatility of former racehorses and highlight the remarkable partnerships they have formed in their second careers.

After receiving nominations from across the racing and equestrian communities, an independent RoR judging panel faced the difficult task of selecting the top three finalists for each award. The panel, made up of industry experts, carefully reviewed the impact, achievements, and inspiring stories behind every nominee.

We’re delighted to announce that My Pension Expert has come on board as the partner of the Horse of the Year Award at the 2026 RoR Awards. Their backing reinforces the importance of recognising former racehorses who excel beyond the racetrack and reflects a genuine commitment to equine welfare and the future of Thoroughbreds in new careers.

Lily Megson-Harvey, Policy Director at My Pension Expert, commented: “The care and dedication RoR shows retired racehorses is second to none. Their success stories speak for themselves, with countless former racehorses now enjoying the full and happy retirement they deserve as a result of RoR’s efforts. We are delighted to celebrate so many of them at the RoR Awards, and we couldn’t be prouder to support RoR and its work on and off the racecourse.”

The three finalists for the My Pension Expert RoR Horse of the Year Award, which recognises former racehorses who have demonstrated outstanding versatility in their second careers, are:

• Back to Buxted and Polly Foster
• Skeaping and Claire Howie
• Sugar Rush and Daisy Adamson

The three finalists for The Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust RoR Partnership of the Year Award—celebrating the exceptional bond between former racehorses and their riders or owners, and focused on connection rather than competition, are:

• Cru Bourgeois and Alex Embiricos
• Optimal Spirit and Gemma Potts (nominated by Linda Potts)
• Zarkandar and Lucinda Simms (nominated by Olivia Fforde)

To view the finalists’ stories and cast your vote before voting closes at 5pm on 9 January, please visit the RoR Awards.

David Catlow, Managing Director of RoR, said: We’re thrilled to open public voting for these prestigious awards. With so many remarkable nominations, choosing the finalists was no easy task for our judges. Each story highlights not only the incredible versatility of former racehorses in their new careers but also the strong, inspiring bonds they form with their owners.”

The winners will be announced at The Jockey Club RoR Awards 2026, taking place on Cheltenham Festival Trials Day, 24 January 2026. The event offers a unique celebration of the adaptability of Thoroughbreds alongside an exciting day of top-class racing and will also feature presentations to the RoR Elite Series champions across seven equestrian disciplines.