Tori Thomas, who gave birth to her first child just nine weeks ago, piloted Wonga Swinger to victory in the SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse Championships at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) yesterday (Wednesday 9 October).
The pair went one better than last year to take the win ahead of runners-up Hannah Chisman and First Fandango, a 15-year-old bay gelding who won almost £70,000 during his racing career.
“He was foot perfect today; it is unbelievable to have won and I’m speechless,” said Tori, who had a daughter, Lily-Rose.
“We haven’t had many outings this season because of my pregnancy. We went to Burghley on a whim and came second to qualify for today, and then to Addington before heading here to HOYS.”
‘Tori has transformed him’
The 14-year-old bay gelding Wonga Swinger won and was placed over fences during his racing career. He was trained by Tori’s husband, the 2008 Gold Cup-winning jockey, Sam Thomas.
“Wonga wasn’t enjoying the racing so my husband let me have him to go hunting. My mum and auntie have always been into showing so we decided to give it a go. He’s the first horse I’ve really done showing with,” added Tori.
Sam added that his wife has “absolutely transformed” the horse.
“Wonga Swinger wasn’t very successful for me, Tori has absolutely transformed him,” he said. “The way she has turned him around since he finished racing is amazing.”
Purpose after racing
The SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse championship was set up to give horses a second career following their racing days, and 14 ex-racehorses contested the championships.
“All the horses in the championship looked stunning and behaved impeccably, they are truly a testament to their owners and riders,” said series organiser Nicolina MacKenzie.
“We had horses from a Cheltenham Gold Cup and Lincoln Handicap winner through to those that have barely finished a point-to-point here today.
“We are delighted to be in the position to give these stunning horses a purpose after racing.”
View images of the full list of finalists in the SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse series
SEIB also hosts the popular Search for a Star Championships, which will take place at Your Horse Live on Friday 8 November.
Main image of Wonga Swinger supplied by 1st Class Images
