Second Chances In The Saddle: The Retired Racehorses Finding Loving New Homes

September 29, 2026

Photo by Deb Hayes

Horse racing is a sport that is constantly questioned when it comes to animal welfare issues, but the governing bodies across the world have done an excellent job of appeasing these fears in recent memory by being more transparent about horses that have retired from the track.

Nowadays, long after racehorses have been retired from the track after achieving success in horse racing tournaments, they are able to achieve longevity in their post-racing career.

The retraining of racehorses has seen some memorable stories play out in front of our eyes, showing that the equine stars have been able to find loving new homes after their days of racing are over. But, who are some of the racehorses that have achieved success in their second careers?

Retraining of Racehorses

There are now more careers than ever for horses after their time on the track is over, with recognized organizations such as the Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) doing excellent work to promote and support equines after their careers.

Furthermore, there are specialist and independent yards that are dedicated to assisting horses after their time on the track is over, with the Mill Stables Retraining Racehorses stable being one of the leaders in the field.

Welfare and rescue centres such as HAPPA also provide rehabilitation and downtime schedules, which are carefully matched to each horse within their care, ensuring that each equine is able to get the career that suits them best after their time on the track is over.

Quadrille

Quadrille was trained by Richard Hannon Snr during his time on the track and was owned and bred by Her Majesty The Queen. During his career, he achieved wins at Kempton and Newmarket, and was also second in the Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot.

After being retired from the track, the gelding achieved success in dressage, winning multiple Retraining of Racehorse titles at the Advanced Medium level with Louise Robson aboard.

Mythmaker

Mythmaker enjoyed a reliable career on the track while in training with Bryan Smart, winning eight of his 56 starts and winning over £163,000 in prize money.

The gelding would record his victories over six furlongs at Kempton and Haydock, before achieving further success after being retrained. He would be a standout star in the world of dressage in his post-career, winning top prizes.

Frodon

There have been few more popular National Hunt horses in recent memory than Frodon. This chaser was trained by Paul Nicholls, and he was well-known for his strong connection with regular rider Bryony Frost.

The duo would team up for notable wins in the Champion Chase, King George Chase, and the Ryanair Chase. The latter would see Frost become the first female Grade One winner at the Cheltenham Festival. Due to their strong bond, Frodon would live with Frost after retiring from the sport, and he would achieve success in show jumping, qualifying for major events at Hickstead. Their bond was also on full display on Frost’s wedding day, as Frodon was in attendance for the big occasion.

Summon Up TheBlood

Few racehorses would achieve as much success after their careers than Summon Up TheBlood. On track, the equine was trained by Mick Channon, and he achieved notable wins at Thirsk.

However, the vast majority of his success would come after racing, competing alongside rider Carlos Parro at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. The duo would eventually finish 18th in the overall classifications, but it was a notable first for a retired racehorse to compete at the Olympics.

Crafty Politician

Crafty Politician is another former racehorse that would achieve notable highs after his career on track. During his racing career, the runner was trained by Gary Moore, winning six of his 37 starts across the United Kingdom, France, and the United States.

After retiring from the sport, he transitioned to be involved in high-level polo, being involved in the sport for four seasons. Notably, he was part of the team that won the 2008 FIP European Championships.

Kelso

Kelso remains one of the most iconic racehorses of his generation, with his victories seeing him rank fourth in the list of Top 100 Racehorses of the 20th Century. During his career, he defeated more Hall of Fame horses than any other equine.

His notable wins included victories in the Jockey Club Gold Cup, Woodward Stakes, and the Whitney Stakes.

Overall, Kelso won over $1.9 million in prize money during his career. Kelso’s success wouldn’t stop after being retired from the track, as he would continue to dominate in other disciplines.

Due to his being gelded, his racing career ended at a later age, and he would achieve success as a hunter and show jumper in his second career. His overall career was later honored prior to the 1983 Jockey Club Gold Cup.