Excellence on Display at the Thoroughbred Spring Fair

The Hawkesbury Showground came alive on November 7–8 as passionate equestrians gathered in full force for the Thoroughbred Spring Fair. Dedicated entirely to retired Thoroughbred racehorses, the two-day event showcased the incredible adaptability of the breed across led and ridden show horse classes, dressage and show jumping.

As a proud supporter of Life After Racing initiatives, Racing NSW was thrilled to sponsor three prestigious classes: the Grand Champion Led Horse, the Grand Champion Ridden All-Rounder/Hunter Horse and the Grand Champion Ridden Show Horse. These highly contested championship brackets brought together the best of the best who had secured a champion ribbon across the weekend.

Championship Highlights

The competition was fierce, with standout performances capturing the essence of what retired Thoroughbred racehorses can achieve post-track:

• Grand Champion Ridden All-Rounder / Hunter: Monsieur Sisu, nominated and ridden by Saskia Brown (and formerly trained by P & M Cave at Warwick Farm), took home the Grand Champion in stunning fashion alongside claiming Best Novice in the dressage arena! By Elvstroem out of Lady In Paris, seeing this exceptional partnership claim the grand championship was an absolute thrill for the crowd. Saskia, an inspiring athlete selected for the Para Equestrian Talent ID Squad and a Grade 4 Para-Dressage rider diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in December 2024, is currently looking to gain experience and Qualification Scores at CPEDI3* (Paralympic Level) in Australia, with the ultimate aim of campaigning in Europe closer to the LA Paralympic Games in 2028.

• Runner-Up (All-Rounder / Hunter): Hot King Prawn, nominated by Rebecca Brown and ridden by Jackie Hill. The legendary Hong Kong star sprinter amassed HK$37,586,550 across 12 career victories, proving his transition to the show ring has been just as brilliant.

• Grand Champion Ridden Show Horse & Led Ridden: Dealtadeel, nominated by Rebecca Brown, ridden by Jackie Hill, and formerly trained by Paul Perry at Newcastle. Sired by Dundeel out of Passiflora, this striking bay delivered a masterclass in his walk, trot and canter work.

• Runner-Up Ridden Show Horse: A Touch Of Luck, nominated by Rachel Lindsey and formerly trained by Amanda Turner. Sired by Sebring out of Brilliant Jewel, the gelding amassed AUD $37,920 in track earnings across 2 wins and 2 placings from 14 starts. A Touch Of Luck displayed a wonderfully calm workout during the championship, looking after his junior rider Ivy Harris every step of the way, while also collecting accolades for Best Metropolitan Trained Thoroughbred and Champion Ridden Show Horse Under 16hh.

The Lexus Parramatta Jockeys Challenge

Sunday’s major highlight was the much-anticipated Jockeys Challenge, sponsored by Lexus Parramatta. In a brilliant collision of the racing and equestrian worlds, top-tier jockeys traded the track for the show ring, borrowing horses from everyday competitors.

The crowd was in stitches while riders had an absolute ball, proving beyond a shadow of a doubt that retired Thoroughbred racehorses truly can do it all. The star jockey lineup featured Tommy Berry, Zac Lloyd, Tyler Schiller, Rachel King, Ellen Hennessy, Keagan Latham, Andrew Adkins, Alysha Collett, Jean Van Overmeire and Anna Roper.

Weekend Highlights & Feature Jockeys Challenge Mounts

• Sienna Grima and Six Foot Song (formerly trained by Jake Hull, by Toronado out of De Sweet Soca Song, with career track earnings of $157,240) took show jumping in their stride for the gelding’s first-ever show, with Tommy Berry taking the reins for the Jockeys Challenge.
• Rachel King and Paths of Glory (formerly trained by R & M Freedman, by Mastercraftsman out of Pacific Rim, with career track earnings of $500,163) put on a stellar display, earning equal Best Show Jumper on course.
• Hot King Prawn capped off a massive weekend by being crowned the Highest Point Thoroughbred of the show, capped off by an entertaining egg-and-spoon race victory with Rachel King in the Jockeys Challenge.
• The Boomerang (by Sebring out of Marsawra, formerly trained by Lynda Bundy) — Ridden by Anna Roper, with career track earnings of $129,880.
• Father’s Shadow (by Fiorente out of New York Style, formerly trained by Richard Litt) — Ridden by Zac Lloyd who performed an impressive jump in the Jockeys Challenge.
• Panalley (by Edenwold out of Snapwood, formerly trained by Ken Jones) — Ridden by Ellen Hennessy, with career track earnings of $22,785.
• Finney (by Sebring out of Stage Performer, formerly trained by Travis Doudle) — Ridden by Tyler Schiller, with career track earnings of $71,240.
• Plus Belle La Vie (by Desert King out of Anaheid, formerly trained by Lauri Parker) — Ridden by Alysha Collett, with career track earnings of $1,500.

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Racing NSW extends a massive congratulations to every single competitor, owner and handler who took part over the weekend. Your passion, dedication and care continue to inspire the racing community and highlight the brilliant versatility of our retired Thoroughbred racehorses in their second careers.

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