Speed, stamina and agility, three common attributes of
Off The Track thoroughbreds, will be on display this Saturday, 13 January when a collection of retired gallopers take to the field for the Alfa Romeo Portsea Polo in association with Stella Artois.
For the first time Racing Victoria (RV), via its
Off The Track Program, is supporting Saturday’s event, which will feature a host of retired racehorses displaying their new-found skills on the polo field.
While they may not have experienced Group 1 glory during their racing days, these
Off The Track thoroughbreds are excelling in their new careers as champion polo ponies.
Thoroughbreds make ideal polo mounts thanks to their natural athleticism, speed and agility, with approximately 70 per cent of polo horses in Victoria coming directly from the
Off The Track program.
The program matches the versatility, athleticism and suitability of retired racehorses to a variety of disciplines and pursuits.
RV’s Equine Welfare Coordinator, Lauren Maggs, said the increasing number of retired racehorses within the polo industry was indicative of their suitability for all equestrian disciplines following retirement from the racetrack.
“Racing Victoria is extremely proud to partner with the Portsea Polo this year to promote retired racehorses as the ideal polo athlete,” Maggs said.
“The
Off The Track program ensures retired racehorses are recognised for their potential and versatility as equestrian mounts following their racing careers.”
Under the terms of the agreement, RV will also offer an award to the best-performing retired racehorse on the day.
The 2018 Alfa Romeo Portsea Polo in association with Stella Artois takes place from 11am-6pm on Saturday, 13 January.
The event will be held at Nepean Quarantine Station in Portsea, on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.
A limited number of tickets are still available on the Portsea Polo website
here