Racing NSW recently announced the launch of a first of its kind equestrian event with a minimum of $1 million in prizemoney exclusively for retired thoroughbred racehorses.
The Equimillion will highlight the versatility and suitability of thoroughbreds for careers outside of racing across four disciplines including eventing, jumping, dressage and show horse.
The inaugural event is to be held from 30 September to 2 October this year and New Zealand Bloodstock is proud to sponsor the event across a number of classes, as well as rider Emma Sullivan and her mount Trackman (NZ) (Tavistock).
A special Karaka story with the eight-year-old gelding having being bred by George and Mary-Anne Simon and put through Sir Patrick Hogan's final Cambridge Stud draft in 2017.
The dashing grey colt was purchased by Anthony Cummings for $80,000 and went on to race 28 times for three wins and two placings.
Trevor Lambourne trained the gelding during the later stages of his racing career, where his current rider Emma Sullivan met her future mount.
“I told Trevor when he finished his racing career to give me a call,” commented Sullivan.
“Sure, enough about a year later I got that call and ‘Trackie’ was finally mine.
“I loved the look of him and knew he was a really nice type.”
The pair have been in partnership for just 12 months, training with the ultimate goal of winning at the Equimillion event.
“He has the most wonderful attitude and being a thoroughbred will give anything a go,” she added.
“He’s very bold, and a great jumper. His handsome looks also help in the dressage ring.”
Sullivan herself is very passionate about thoroughbreds as a breed, with both of her current FEI-level eventing horses originally sourced off the track.
“I think when they are racing it exposes them to so much at such a young age so by the time, I would get them after their racing careers nothing ever phases them,” she said.
“I always find thoroughbreds have the biggest hearts and are just always wanting to please.
“Their natural gallop and fitness are a huge contributing factor as to why they are such a great breed for eventing too.”
“I am so excited to be a part of this event and it is a great initiative from the racing industry to recognise off the track thoroughbreds and their life after racing,” commented Sullivan.
“We will be competing in the 80cm eventing and show jumping classes. Aiming for the win of course.”
NZB looks forward to following Emma Sullivan and now-name ‘Track Thyme’s’ journey to the Equimillion event. Follow their progress here.
