Team Thoroughbred stars shine at Tour d’Horse

TOUR D’HORSE IS A FUNDRAISER FOR THE K.I.D.S. FOUNDATION THAT KEEPS CHILDREN SAFE AND CREATES A BETTER LIFE FOR THOSE LIVING WITH SERIOUS INJURIES OR BURNS

Not only did the K.I.D.S. Foundation ‘Tour d’Horse’ fundraiser smash expectations raising more than $1.1 million to support Australians recovering from trauma and injury, but also showcased the remarkable versatility of retrained racehorses, thanks to Team Thoroughbred, Alec and Anto White of Belltrees.

Five current Team Thoroughbred horses Embracer, Mount Brilliant, Mosgiel Tyson, Sailing, and Vowmaster took part in the ride, joined by two alumni who returned for the event.

Among them was Mr Young, one of the first horses retrained at Belltrees, who now plays polo locally.

“It was great to have him back,” Alec shared. “He came the full circle, from racehorse to polo pony to trail veteran.”

The event saw around 35 riders participate each day with most horses ridden consistently throughout the week.

The preparation was focusing on long trail rides, hill climbs, and river crossings to condition the horses for the varied terrain.

“It was a step up in fitness for them, but they handled it beautifully,” Alec said. “They adjusted to different riders, from beginners to professionals, and just got on with the job.”

One standout was Embracer, a former Stakes performer trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bottwho was ridden for two days during the event by Jess Bott.

Though she didn’t participate in the full ride, Jess’s time on Embracer was unforgettable.

“I’ve known Embracer from his racing days when my husband trained him at Randwick,” she said.

“So, to see him out in that terrain, completely transformed, was amazing. We were doing proper Man from Snowy River riding steep drops, goat tracks, tight spots. And he just kept stepping up.”

Jess, who has a four-month-old baby at home and hadn’t ridden much since giving birth, said she wasn’t in peak riding condition.

“But Embracer looked after me the whole time. There were moments when we were in the middle of a pack of 30 horses or riding alone in single file, and not once did he put a foot wrong.

“That speaks volumes about the horse, but also about the education he’s had since retiring.”

Jess credits Team Thoroughbred for the transformation: “I’ve seen a lot of off-the-track horses, and these guys are just different.

“They’re not only well-fed and calm, but they’re educated. The team are real horse people, and they know what they’re doing, and it shows.”

The ride has also led to a potential new home for Embracer: “That’s what this event does it puts the horses in front of people who see their potential.”

As the dust settles on the 2025 Tour d’Horse, it’s clear the event was not only a test of endurance and horsemanship but a triumph of purpose and passion.

For the riders, the horses, and the lives touched by the cause it was a journey that left a lasting mark.

If you are considering the purchase of a retired Thoroughbred contact teamthoroughbred@racingnsw.com.au to talk through the type of horse you are looking for or visit – teamthoroughbred.com.au/welfare

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