Sales companies unite to drive Retraining of Racehorses strategy with new funding model

Retraining of Racehorses (RoR), British horseracing’s official charity dedicated to the welfare and retraining of former racehorses, have announced an increase in their core funding through the support of Goffs UK, Tattersalls and ThoroughBid. This funding initiative underscores the shared commitment of the Thoroughbred sales companies to championing the welfare of retired racehorses.

The new funding model introduces:

• A £6 contribution from each sales company for every lot sold.
• Mandatory levies of £3 each for vendors and purchasers, applied to every lot published as sold at thoroughbred auctions, including online sales.

 These charges will be introduced from 1 January 2025 and remain fixed until the end of 2026, coinciding with the end of RoR’s three-year strategic cycle. This stable funding framework will help the charity to deliver its ambitious objectives for 2024-2026, including the traceability of horses bred for racing, enhanced educational outreach to owners, and expanded welfare programmes to ensure that no racehorse faces an uncertain future after racing. 

David Catlow, Managing Director of RoR, said: “This new funding agreement is a vital step forward for RoR and the thousands of former racehorses we support. The generosity of Goffs UK, Tattersalls and ThoroughBid highlights their shared commitment to our mission. With this increased funding, we are better positioned to deliver on the goals outlined in the RoR Strategy 2024-2026. 

“This funding sets a benchmark for racehorse welfare that we hope all other industry stakeholders will follow. It also strengthens RoR’s role as the agreed provider of aftercare support, enabling us to enhance our capacity to meet our strategic goals.

“Further funding announcements involving additional key racing stakeholders are anticipated in early 2025, reinforcing the collective effort to safeguard the future of former racehorses.”

Edmond Mahony, Chairman of Tattersalls, added: “Tattersalls continues to support RoR’s Showing Series, and this new funding model further cements our commitment to RoR. We are pleased to be part of this industry initiative. RoR’s work is fundamental to the Thoroughbred industry, not only in promoting welfare but also in demonstrating the versatility of these horses beyond racing. Through this initiative, Tattersalls reaffirms its dedication to the long-term care and retraining of racehorses, ensuring they have the opportunity to thrive in new careers.”

The funding framework also simplifies processes, with Goffs UK, Tattersalls, and ThoroughBid collecting vendor and purchaser levies on RoR’s behalf. 

RoR’s strategy reflects its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of all former racehorses through improved traceability, robust welfare programmes, and educational initiatives. RoR also works to increase demand for former racehorses through its opportunities to compete, showcasing their adaptability and skill in a variety of second careers.