Racing Victoria (RV) is pleased to announce two new Off The Track (OTT) Ambassadors, successful show competitor Fiona McIntyre and founder and director of Racing Hearts, Lisa Coffey, who have been engaged to support the numerous opportunities available for thoroughbreds after their racing careers.
Both active members of the Off The Track community, McIntyre and Coffey work tirelessly in their fields to promote the versatility of thoroughbreds and are advocates for equine welfare more broadly.
Current RV Acknowledged Retrainer of the Year and 2020 Lady of Racing Award winner, McIntyre balances a full-time job while also dedicating her days to retraining and rehoming former racehorses, as well as being a successful show competitor. Her team of off-the-track horses includes two-time Moonee Valley Gold Cup winner Precedence, dual Group One winner Sirmione, Geelong Cup winner Caravan Rolls On and Chris Waller-trained Life Less Ordinary.
Hailing from Ireland, former trackwork rider Lisa Coffey created Racing Hearts three years ago on the Mornington Peninsula to combine her two great passions in life, rehoming racehorses and helping people overcome adversity.
Supported by her 25-strong team of Off The Track horses, Lisa operates a wide range of equine assisted therapy sessions to support clients through stressful times in their lives.
Attributable Quotes:
RV General Manager, Equine Welfare - Jen Hughes:
“We are thrilled to grow our Off The Track family, and warmly welcome our ambassadors into the fold.
“Fiona and Lisa have worked tirelessly to promote retired racehorses in everything they do, from re-educating for competitive purposes to retraining for equine therapy, and we are so pleased to have them on board in a formal capacity.
“We’re excited to work with them both to educate and promote the various options that are available for thoroughbreds once they leave their racing careers.
“Whether it be competing at the highest level in equestrian, such as the esteemed Garryowen event, or being used to help regulate emotions and bring stability to children with learning difficulties, the thoroughbred is a truly wonderful animal that has a number of secondary career options available to them once they retire from racing.
“We look forward to working with both of these ladies and encourage everyone to follow our Off The Track social channels to keep up to date with their journeys.”