National Trotguide
MADRID’S half-sister is Lot 207 in Sunday’s APG Sale

Re-Homing boost for retired standardbreds

Paul Courts

AN exciting new partnership has been created between Nutrien Equine and the New South Wales Harness Racing Industry Standardbred Re-Homing Company.

Through the partnership, six standardbred horses will be offered for sale at the 2022 Nutrien Classic Campdraft and Sale.

The horses will be auctioned at the 2022 Nutrien Classic Campdraft and Sale on February 4 and 5 via AuctionsPlus at the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre in Tamworth.

The off-the-track standardbreds were matched with accomplished campdraft and performance horse trainers six months ago to retrain and prepare the horses to be presented for sale.

General Manager of Nutrien Equine – Standardbred, Mark Barton said the re-homing program was a first for the industry.

“The Nutrien Classic is always a terrific national showcase for performance horses, so we are really excited to be able to use this opportunity to also promote standardbred horses for their life after racing,” said Barton.

“The horses have attracted a lot of interest in the lead-up to the sale and we are hoping this will become a fixture at the Nutrien Classic.”

Chairman of HRNSW Re-Homing Company Peter Nugent said this program gave the horses a new lease on life once their careers on the track had come to an end.

“We are very grateful for Nutrien Ag Solutions and the industry’s support of this program which ensures the animals are well cared for during and after their transition into life after racing,” said Nugent.

“The temperament of these horses in general makes the standardbred suitable for a diverse life after racing and the trainers have done an incredible job preparing these horses for their new owners and ensuring they reach their full potential.”

HRNSW Re-Homing Company has rehomed 90 standardbred horses in its first year of operation.

Meanwhile, harness racing action is at Penrith tonight with a well-balanced seven race program.

And it will see the appearance of smart three-year-old filly Madrid (Race 2), who takes on the older pacers, one being eight years her senior.

The daughter of Bling It On resumed racing on January 22 in the Group 2 Harness Breeders NSW JL Raith Memorial and was narrowly beaten by ace New Zealand filly, Just Remember Me.

She comes up against strong opposition tonight but her class and an ideal barrier two  should see her winning.

  • MICK DUMESNY