Musselburgh Champions Life After Racing

Musselburgh Racecourse has long championed the belief that a racehorse’s story doesn’t end at the finish line. As part of this commitment we are proud to celebrate the appointment of Turn of Events - known at home as Evie – as our new equine ambassador for Retraining of Racehorses (RoR). Together with her owner, Rachel Beattie, she will be at the Retraining of Racehorses Parade on National Racehorse Week Raceday (26th August).

Set up to safeguard a horse’s future, RoR is a charity with a mission to ensure that every former racehorse - whether a Group 1 winner or a grassroots grafter - has the opportunity to thrive in retirement.

“Although they can live into their twenties, a racehorse’s career can be over by the time they turn three,” explains Aileen Firth, RoR’s development officer for Scotland South. “We want to make sure that we support people to take ownership of these horses and give them a second life.

Opportunities for them include mounted and unmounted education events and onwards to a competition pathway that goes from grassroots to championship level.”

Their flagship initiative, Horses for Courses, brings retired racehorses back to the track - not to race, but to inspire. So far this has seen 35 racecourses around the UK adopt an ambassador who attends race days, meets fans and shares their story, showing racegoers that - whether it’s a rosette in the show ring or a quiet moment in the field - each chapter is important.

And that’s where Evie comes in. Despite trying her best in race training for 18 months, when it was clear that she wasn’t quite fast enough for the race track, it was time to find her a new home which she found at Rachel’s yard in East Lothian. With a background in eventing and a deep-rooted love for thoroughbreds, Rachel was the perfect person to take on the now 10 year old who, she describes lovingly, as her “her quirky, opinionated mare.”

Rachel’s journey with Evie is marked by patience, empathy and a belief that every horse deserves a fulfilling life beyond the track.

“When she came to me she was quite scrawny but over the last few years we have built her up and she has developed. We essentially had to start from scratch as she only knew racing so we’ve worked on her balance, strength and jumping.

We have got to the point where we can now go eventing together (a sport that combines three different disciplines: dressage, cross-country and show jumping). I love the relationship I have with her and I know she tries really hard for me.”

As an ambassador, Rachel will share stories from her own retraining experience, highlight the challenges and triumphs of transitioning horses out of racing and onto one of the many paths open to them.

“The work RoR do is amazing and there are so many elements to supporting off-the-track thoroughbreds that I’m looking forward to sharing with race goers,” she says.

“Many racehorses experience multiple transitions in their lives—from foal to racer, from racer to breeder, retrained competitor to therapy horse or companion. Some horses become beloved family pets. Some simply enjoy a peaceful life in the field,” explains Aileen.

“This journey reflects the adaptability and resilience of the thoroughbred. Not every retired racehorse becomes a champion in its second career but RoR ensures that every horse, regardless of pedigree or performance, has a chance to thrive”.

Keep an eye on our social channels to find out more about Evie’s upcoming visit to the racecourse and how you can meet her.