Grassendale Enzo raced twice under the name Boom Boom Basil, earning a grand total of $250. Today, the 11-year-old Thoroughbred is jumping at Grand Prix level with 17-year-old Sofia Williams.
Enzo’s path from racing to the show jumping arena began when Sofia’s mother, Luce Williams, spotted a photo of him jumping a log on Facebook and bought him sight unseen. Years of careful development followed before Sofia took over the ride.
Their partnership shows what can be possible when a Thoroughbred finds the right person and purpose after racing.
To help more horses and owners navigate that transition, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) has launched Beyond the Track, a new website bringing together practical guidance, opportunities and support for Thoroughbreds throughout life after racing.
Designed for racing owners and trainers, retrainers and rehomers, current and prospective owners along with the wider equestrian community, Beyond the Track offers information on retirement planning, transition and responsible rehoming, alongside welfare resources, NZTR Acknowledged Providers and supported equestrian events.
Current owners can claim their off-the-track Thoroughbred on the platform, linking themselves with the horse after its racing career. This will help NZTR build a clearer picture of where horses go and what support they and their owners need.
Head of Thoroughbred Welfare Catlyn Calder said the launch made it easier for people to find practical help and to plan early for a horse’s future.
“Thoroughbreds give so much to our industry, and our responsibility to them doesn’t end when they finish racing. Beyond the Track brings everything together in one place, giving owners and the wider Thoroughbred community better access to information, support and resources, while helping us stay connected to our horses throughout their lives.”
“Planning for life after racing should start well before a horse has its final start. We want owners to have those conversations early with their trainers, racing managers and syndicators, understand the options available and make sure there is a plan, including financial provision, for what that individual horse may need next.”
To celebrate the launch of Beyond the Track, all new members will go in the draw to win one of 10 care packages worth $500. Simply join Beyond the Track and claim your off-the-track Thoroughbred during October to go into the draw. Each winner will receive:
- A $50 Canter for Cancer voucher
- A $50 Saddlery Warehouse voucher
- A bag of Fibre Fresh product and faecal pH consultation
- 2 tubes of Stress Paste from Poseidon Animal Health
- A Beyond the Track merchandise pack
Beyond the Track is an NZTR initiative supported through its wider Thoroughbred welfare investment, including the industry’s 1% welfare levy. It brings existing programmes and information closer together and will support NZTR’s continuing work on traceability and life after racing.
The platform is open to anyone interested in off-the-track Thoroughbreds. Visit https://www.beyondthetrack.co.nz/ to explore resources, events and information on how to claim a horse.
