“He is loving his new life as a ridden horse and is becoming so settled and content with the more laidback lifestyle. He also looks like a show horse now. Cross Counter hasn’t forgotten about his time in the spotlight, however. “He absolutely loves the camera and adores attention of any kind. He certainly knows he is a star,” said Leonard. “He will be doing his first parade as our ambassador in October at Newmarket racecourse. If this goes well then we will look to more engagements for him in the future.” When a Godolphin-owned horse is retired or its career ended due to injury, they arrive at the rehoming centre for some deserved rest and relaxation. A return to work is at a much gentler tempo than they experienced in a racing stable while the facilitators look for strengths in particular disciplines that will guide each horse to its new home. “When we start riding them we’ll hack them, work them in the school, possibly jump them and then assess what we’ve got to be rehomed,” said Leonard. Once a suitable applicant is found for a horse, they are invited to test drive them at the rehoming centre, where Leonard and her team assess the compatibility of the new couple. If everything falls into place, the horse can move on to its new home, with Leonard making regular visits to each graduate of the program, checking in to make sure horse and rider are still a happy couple. “We’re trying to find those forever homes where they will be loved forever, because that’s something they deserve a chance at a second career,” she said. From Group 1 heroes to five-start maiden gallopers, Godolphin retirees have a fulfilling life ahead of them once the curtain is drawn on their racing career.
19
Made with FlippingBook Digital Publishing Software