When you think of a retired racehorse, you might picture them winding down in a lush, flat paddock or perhaps finding their feet in a quiet dressage arena. You probably don’t picture them navigating single-file mountain ridges, tackling rocky river crossings, and marching 200 kilometres over six days in the rugged Upper Hunter Valley. Yet, that is exactly what seven of our incredible Team Thoroughbred NSW horses just accomplished!
Tour d’Horse is a high-profile, six-day charity endurance horse ride operating out of the historic Belltrees Station. The trek brings together a unique mix of champion racing trainers, jockeys, Olympic equestrians, and corporate sponsors who navigate the demanding terrain. Famously known as a ‘race run at a walking pace,’ the ride deliberately slows down naturally forward-moving horses to a disciplined, steady walk to emphasise teamwork, endurance, and mindfulness over speed. Relying heavily on these retired racehorses, the event served as a powerful showcase of the thoroughbred’s incredible intelligence, calm temperament, and profound adaptability outside of racing.
We caught up with Ashley Craddock, one of our Belltrees retrainers who lived the experience firsthand in the saddle, to get the behind-the-scenes scoop on how our Team Thoroughbred NSW horses handled the ultimate trek, and what it proves about their readiness for their forever homes.
The demanding Tour d’Horse trail throws absolutely everything at a horse, from steep drop-offs and unpredictable weather to traveling in a massive pack of horses for hours upon hours in the saddle. Ultimately, navigating these challenges served as the ultimate real-world showcase of the rock-solid foundation education these thoroughbreds receive during their retraining at Team Thoroughbred NSW.
“A standout moment of the week was just how well they all settled into working within a large group of 40-plus horses,” Ashley notes. “They genuinely love getting out and seeing new things each day.
What makes their achievement even more remarkable is the rider switch. Throughout the six days, these horses didn’t just carry their everyday trainers; they stepped up to look after a mix of riders, proving just how adaptable and user-friendly they truly are.
“Every horse adapted extremely well to having different riders throughout the week. They handled the changes with ease, staying willing and consistent in their work, proving just how trainable thoroughbreds are and how well they take to life after their racing careers,” Ashley says.
SPOTLIGHT: Horses Currently in the Team Thoroughbred NSW Program
These horses are currently progressing through training and showcasing exactly what makes them prime candidates for their future homes.
🐴 Aeonian
Formerly trained by Annabel and Rob Archibald, with only two career starts and $2,000 in earnings, Aeonian was an absolute standout throughout the Tour d’Horse. He took everything in his stride from Day 1 and settling seamlessly amongst the group of 40+ horses. Despite his young age, he adapted impressively to a variety of riders, highlighting his versatility and reliability. He quickly became a crowd favourite, earning himself the affectionate nickname “Spud” along the way.
🐴 Count Rollo
Formerly trained by Gosford-based Nick Mitchell, where he earned $11,675 across a seven-start racing career, Count Rollo proved himself to be a genuine and willing partner throughout the six days. He showed a fantastic attitude in new environments, gave his all for his rider each day, and handled the long rides beautifully. Rolly particularly liked being up at the front and leading the way, completely unfazed by his rugged surroundings.
🐴 Vinlago
Boasting a pedigree by I Am Invincible out of Lucky Lago, Vinlago came into the program with $100,025 in career earnings under trainer Nikki Pollock. Though he was keen to get moving at the start of the Tour d’Horse, he quickly settled into a relaxed mindset. He proved incredibly fun to ride and easy to manage within the large group, happily slotting in anywhere amongst the pack while calmly taking everything in.
🐴 Fiordland
By Invincible Spirit (IRE) out of Cascading (GB), Fiordland earned $108,577 on the track under the care of trainer D. Riley before joining our program. He brought that same work ethic to the trail, showing an exceptionally positive outlook throughout the trek and truly thriving in the hills. He loved walking through the rivers and always gave everything a go. Confident up at the front, he tried his heart out for the entire six days. In fact, Fiordland’s former assistant racing trainer joined the ride for the week and was incredibly impressed to see just how well he has transitioned into his post-racing life.
SPOTLIGHT: The Returning Team Thoroughbred NSW Graduates
Already successfully rehomed, these graduates returned to prove that a Team Thoroughbred education lasts a lifetime.
🐴 Malkovich
By Choisir out of Mabkhara, Malkovich amassed a stellar $1127105 in career earnings under trainer Bjorn Baker before transitioning into his next chapter. On the trail, he was a total delight to have and perfectly highlighted the incredible adaptability of the breed. He maintained a kind nature and a relaxed, easy-going attitude throughout the week, making him a great asset to the group. Whether at the front, middle, or back of the pack, he was always happy and settled in his work. As a special highlight, one of his previous race jockeys rode him for a day, with both horse and rider clearly enjoying every minute of their reunion.
🐴 Sweepero
Sweepero transitioned early from the track after just two official starts under trainer Tim McIntosh, finding her true calling as a seasoned trekker. Returning for another Tour d’Horse, she proved as reliable and willing as ever, handling the long miles with ease and bouncing back fresh every morning. This year, she was reunited with her rider from the previous event, with the pair showcasing the incredible, trusting partnership that makes these horses so special.
🐴 Loco Express
An unraced mare by Bullet Train (GB) out of Badger’s Catch, Loco Express returned to the trek this year as a reliable favourite. She continues to prove herself as a straightforward, uncomplicated mount suitable for all experience levels, carrying multiple different riders throughout the week without a single fuss. Reliable and easy going, she is a horse we can always count on to adapt to anyone in the saddle.
Ready for Their Next Chapter
When asked to pick just one word to describe the attitude of the Team Thoroughbred NSW horses across the entire six days, Ashley didn’t hesitate: Willing.
“Over the six days, every single Team Thoroughbred NSW horse showed a consistently willing attitude across a variety of riders, environments, and long days,” Ashley reflects. “They were open to giving anything a go and took on whatever was asked of them.”
For anyone looking to rehome a retired racehorse, seeing a horse complete an endurance trek like this tells you everything you need to know. It proves they have a rock-solid educational foundation, are thoroughly exposed to the world, and are completely ready to step into their next chapter.
Looking to rehome a retired racehorse?
- Browse: Check out our currently available horses on our website: Team Thoroughbred NSW Horse Search
- Apply: Download and complete the Potential Buyer Form.
- Submit: Send your completed application form directly to teamthoroughbred@racingnsw.com.au
- Discuss: Our head trainer will be in contact with you to discuss the program, your riding goals, and which horses might be the perfect match.
- Visit: Our head trainers will arrange a time for you to visit the farm so you can meet your future equine partner in person!
