Category: Welfare

A WYONG WINNER AND DUAL KEMBLA GRANGE PLACEGETTER, SWEEPING BROOK IS ENJOYING HIS NEW LIFE WITH STUDENT ORLA SHERIDAN HAVING RETIRED FROM RACING AFTER SEVEN STARTS

When 22-year-old university student Orla Sheridan first met Sweeping Brook, known affectionately as Barney, he was fresh off the track having retired from racing in October 2023.

Thanks to Racing NSW’s Team Thoroughbred program, Barney quickly transitioned from racehorse to a rising star in the equestrian world, finding a new home and purpose with Orla Sheridan not long after his racing silks were put away.

“I’d just come home from a year in England and was looking for a horse,” Orla recalled.

“I saw a Facebook post from Alec at Belltrees in Scone. I went out to trial a couple, and Barney wasn’t even on the list, but Alec said: ‘I’ve got this one you should try.’ I hopped on and just knew; he had something special.”

Despite the instant connection, Barney didn’t come without challenges.

“He’s sweet, but very quirky,” said Orla. “Rosie, who had him at Belltrees, warned me that he bucks and yep, he did.

“But I didn’t mind. I could tell it wasn’t nastiness, he just didn’t know what was going on yet.”

The early months were a learning curve for both horse and rider.

“At the start, he didn’t really understand his job. Going into the show jumping ring, he’d sometimes just stop and have a little kick-out.

“But it was all nerves as he just didn’t know what was being asked of him yet.”

It didn’t take long, however, for Barney to start thriving.

“Once he settled in, he became so easy to have around. He’s athletic and smart, he just needed time to figure it all out,” Orla said.

“I competed him throughout last year and by the middle of the season, things really started to click.”

One of the first breakthrough moments came at Camden in May 2024.

“He won the dressage and went clear in the show jumping. I was having too much fun and went 30 seconds too fast on the cross country,” she said.

Later that year in October, the pair tackled Equimillion, one of the premier events celebrating retired racehorses, and he delivered a standout performance.

“I couldn’t even get him into a dressage arena at the start of the year but at Equimillion, he was winning dressage – he is just incredible,” Orla said.

“We placed third in the Eventing and sixth in the amateur section and I was so proud. That felt like the real turning point.”

Even outside of the arena, Barney’s transformation has been impressive.

“He’s so quiet now you can do anything with him. My brother took him on a week-long trail ride with my dad in the Snowy Mountains.

“He just self-loads on the float and stands quietly. He’s honestly a dream.”

Orla, who’s currently studying full-time at Newcastle University, didn’t grow up on a property but has been around horses since her teens.

“I got my first horse at 16, did lessons before that, and always knew I’d come back to it.

“After exchange, I didn’t have much money, but I had just enough for Barney and it was the best decision.”

The duo competed in their first 80cm event at Camden last month: “That was our first go at that level and it was very exciting.

“He had a bit of a break after some wild storms and a paddock mishap earlier this year, but he’s come back better than ever.”

They’ve already had a strong start to 2025.
“He did the dressage at Hunter Valley and was reserve champion, then competed at Quirindi where he placed second in the 65cm Eventing.

“At Armidale he got an 81% in the dressage and led the class from start to finish. I was so happy with him.”

Looking further ahead, Orla is aiming to return to Equimillion this time at the 80cm level.
“He’s so capable. I don’t think I’ve even scratched the surface of what he can do. He’s smart, and now he believes in himself too. That’s the biggest thing.”

Reflecting on her experience, Orla is passionate about the value of giving Thoroughbreds a second chance.

“I honestly recommend Team Thoroughbred to anyone that is looking for a horse,” she said.

“Barney’s journey from racetrack to ribbons is a testament to what’s possible when patience, talent, and opportunity align.

“It’s such a great example of how amazing these Thoroughbreds are off the track. You don’t have to change them. They already know so much they just need the chance.”

Four years ago, Jack Archibald spotted a striking retired racehorse advertised on Instagram through Racing NSW’s Team Thoroughbred program. Drawn in by her athletic build and calm expression, he saw potential in the bay mare—formerly known as Mikkeyday—now rebranded as Dixie—as a future star on the polo field.

“I loved the type of her,” Jack said. “I thought she was going to suit polo perfectly, and the process with Team Thoroughbred was really straightforward. I got in contact, and the rest is history.”

Since then, Dixie has blossomed in her second career, seamlessly transitioning from the racetrack to the high-speed, high-skill world of polo.

“Her temperament is probably her best asset,” Jack explains. “That made the transition easy. Within two or three weeks, she was already getting the hang of it. Of course, we take things slower than racing, so it took about 18 months until she was competing at a really high level.”

Her progress has been nothing short of impressive. In 2024, Dixie was awarded Best Playing Pony at the prestigious Ellerston Polo Tournament, one of Australia’s premier polo events.

“That was a huge highlight for me,” Jack said proudly. “To have a horse that I trained and purchased be deemed the best in the tournament—it was pretty special.”

Currently based at the Scone Polo Club, Jack and Dixie have been active on the polo circuit this season, with a string of strong performances. Most recently, they were part of the winning team for the MK Milne Trophy, further proving that this retired racehorse still has plenty to give.

Looking ahead, Jack hopes to extend Dixie’s legacy beyond the field.

“She’s my best horse, so she’ll continue playing in the two polo seasons each year. And hopefully I’ll be able to take embryos and breed from her, to produce something just like her.”

Dixie’s story is a shining example of the life and success retired racehorses can find through the Team Thoroughbred rehoming and retraining program. With the right care, environment, and a bit of patience, life after racing can be just as thrilling.

Not every Thoroughbred finds their calling on the track. For horses like Port George, he found his calling in the arena. Following his retirement from racing and with some nurturing and retraining at Team Thoroughbred NSW, “dear little Port George”, as previous owner Robyn Knight referred to him, proved that life after racing can be just as fulfilling.

When Port George first arrived at Robert Knight’s training stables, his partner Robyn identified quickly that he had a relatively unique personality that required a lot of extra attention.

Although there were some initial challenges, Robert and Robyn persevered for more than six months into his training when Port George was “going beautifully” and was ready for a race. However, after six race starts and being five years young Robyn decided it was time to retire Port George and focus on his retraining.

Despite struggling on the track, Port George showed promise in the arena.

“He is a beautiful horse, nature wise. Could do anything with him on the ground,” Robyn said.

“A sweetheart like you wouldn’t believe but just didn’t cope with a saddle on his back and a racetrack”

Despite trying her best, Robyn knew Port George needed specialised retraining. That’s when she decided to reach out to Team Thoroughbred NSW.

“When I found out that he had been approved to the Team Thoroughbred Welfare Program at St Heliers, I was just delighted,” Robyn said.

“He wouldn’t have had a hope without Team Thoroughbred because I don’t have the necessary time or the staff.

“To retrain these horses, it’s just so valuable. It’s industry money really well spent.”

When Robyn learnt that Port George had progressed through the retraining program with Team Thoroughbred and had been rehomed to his new home after racing, she was overcome with emotion.

“I cried. I’m just so thrilled to hear that he’s got a home and he’s doing so well,” she said.

“That’s just magic. Absolutely magic.”

After some time with Team Thoroughbred Retrainer, Port George was ready for his next chapter.

Port George met his new owner Faith, a young rider searching for her first off-the-track thoroughbred, at Belltrees Farm.

After just one ride, Faith knew Port George was the one.

“He was just so quiet and seemed really relaxed even though it was my first ride on him,” she said.

“I knew that he’d be a good option for me as I’m quite used to Thoroughbreds that are similar to him.”

Since arriving at his new home, Port George has quickly become a beloved member of Faith’s stable.

“He’s really settled in quite easily,” Faith said.

“We have quite a handful of horses but he’s very sociable and well liked by the others in the paddock.”

With the assistance of Team Thoroughbred, Faith was able to find her perfect Thoroughbred companion.

“The program made it easier for a newcomer owning an ex-racehorse a lot easier,” she said.

“All the hard work Team Thoroughbred puts into the horses to make them suitable for rehoming really pays off.”

“It’s a great stepping stone for someone like me wanting to give it a go.”

With plans to compete in dressage and eventually try jumping, Faith and Port George’s journey is just beginning.

“I guess we’re always trying to experience new things and to see what areas he needs to improve,” Faith said.

“Hopefully by the end of the year we’ll be jumping.”

From a timid racehorse to a confident partner in his new home, Port George has certainly come a long way.  

Team Thoroughbred NSW is Racing NSW’s direct retraining and rehoming program for retired NSW thoroughbred racehorses. This program operates out of multiple properties across the State acquired by Racing NSW for the purpose of equine welfare. These Thoroughbred retraining facilities ensure that industry participants have an avenue to rehome their horses if their rehoming efforts have not been successful when they decide to retire their horses or not commence racing them.

Team Thoroughbred NSW’s retraining facilities ensure that industry participants have an avenue to rehome their horses if their rehoming efforts have not been successful when they decide to retire their horses or not commence racing them. 

One such horse purchased recently purchased from Team Thoroughbred was retired Thoroughbred All Up Tee Kay (Billy).

Lisa Radford purchased ‘Billy’ from Team Thoroughbred NSW but within a week she had ‘lost’ the promising equestrian horse to her daughter!

“The intention was that I’d prepare him for my 12-year-old daughter Taylah, who would take over the reins in a year or two,” said Taylah’s mum.

“A week after he arrived, she asked for a ride on him and hasn’t got off him since – I lost my horse after just a week!”

Taylah’s mum has embraced this budding friendship and is impressed with the pair’s progress.

Despite being new to each other, they have been learning side-by-side showcasing Billy’s patience and adaptability.

“He has been doing amazing things and is such a wonderful and patient horse in his education,” Taylah’s mum said. “Taylah and Billy are learning together in many ways.”

Billy is transitioning into a new career off the track and is showing promise across multiple disciplines.

This marks the start of a budding equestrian career for the pair.

“He’s been to dressage and show-jumping lessons and is looking to head out XC schooling over the break in preparation for his first eventing start in March,” said Taylah’s mum.

Billy has also proven to be an exceptional all-rounder, earning praise from Taylah’s family for his adaptability.

“He is a terrific horse to take out trail riding and truly one we can all jump on for a ride.”

The Equimillion event, held over the October long weekend, was a powerful showcase of the incredible potential of retired racehorses, highlighting the results of much dedication and training.

Team Thoroughbred NSW, proudly watched as several of its graduates stepped into the arena to compete. For these former racehorses, once celebrated for their speed and stamina on the track, Equimillion offered a chance to shine in entirely new disciplines. This year’s event not only demonstrated their remarkable transitions but also underscored the vital importance of giving these deserving animals a fulfilling life beyond the racetrack.

Ten Team Thoroughbred graduates competed in this year’s Equimillion Event, with several placing within the top five across multiple events. The graduates included Rough Copy, Ricochet Bullet, Bringagem, Pit Bay, Sweeping Brook (third place in the EVA 65 Amateur), Bobs Cooltoo (placed second place in the EVA 65 Junior), Kuiper Belt (fourth place in the CCN1* Open Eventing), Sichuan Chief, and Gamesmanship (second place in the EVA 65 Amateur). Each of them demonstrated the remarkable versatility and talent of thoroughbreds as they transitioned into new careers.

One standout performance came from Gamesmanship, ridden by Melinda Ryan. Despite a few challenges, including pulling a shoe the day before Equimillion, Melinda kept to their regular routine to maintain Gamesmanship’s calm and confidence. “We maintained the same schedule, inclusive of riding and feeding, to avoid making him anxious. We typically ride every single day, provided the weather cooperates,” she explained. Their dressage on Friday helped shake off any nerves before the main event. Melinda reflected on his progress: “During our dressage he felt fine. Of course, there were plenty of things we can work on, but it’s been amazing seeing how he’s taken on his role as an eventer after only being with us for just over a year. His show jumping was pretty good! We were pretty fresh but I like knowing that he feels good about himself. Much the same with cross country, he’s a very difficult ride but he’s very trusting and a gorgeous soul.”

Another memorable performance came from Kuiper Belt, ridden by Elsa Ribal-Vigneau. Following a standout victory at Equimillion the previous year, Elsa entered the competition with high expectations for Kuiper Belt. “Kuiper Belt’s victory at Equimillion last year set the bar high for this season, so we came into the competition with great expectations.” Elsa described the journey as one of continuous growth: “I’m incredibly proud of how far he’s come since I adopted him from Team Thoroughbred. It’s been an amazing journey, and his progress continues to amaze me.”

As the event wrapped up, it was clear that all the graduates who competed had made significant strides since their time on the racetrack. The hard work of their trainers, riders, and supporters was evident in every performance, from those who placed near the top to those who made remarkable improvements along the way.

The Equimillion event is not just a competition, it’s a celebration of the incredible potential of off-the-track thoroughbreds and the commitment of those who believe in their second chances. Team Thoroughbred NSW is proud of all its graduates, and this year’s success at Equimillion is a testament to the lasting impact of retraining and rehoming retired racehorses.

Equimillion 2024 Results: https://equimillion.com.au/results2024/