A former racehorse who has excelled in several disciplines since retiring from the racetrack was named Jockey Club RoR Horse of the Year in an award ceremony last month.

Master Wickham, who is owned and ridden by Claire Lewis, received the most public votes to win the accolade at the 2025 Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Awards. 

The award ceremony, which was opened by RoR patron Zara Tindall and hosted by Richard Phillips, took place during Cheltenham’s Festival Trials Day at Cheltenham Racecourse on Saturday 25 January. 

Over 200 members of the racing and equestrian communities attended the ceremony which also celebrated the 25th anniversary of the RoR.

Multi-talented

Sixteen-year-old Master Wickham has enjoyed success in a range of disciplines since he retired from racing in 2015. 

Alongside reaching Grade A level in showjumping, he has also won 13 national RoR championship titles in dressage, qualified for the Badminton Grassroots Championships and participated in numerous combined training, dressage to music, arena eventing, and showing competitions.

“Master Wickham is a true superstar, excelling across showjumping, dressage, and eventing,” said Claire.

“His versatility and consistency continue to open doors, year after year.”

Amazing Grace

Grace Muir, chief executive and founder of HEROS charity, was presented with the Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust RoR Community Impact Award for her outstanding contributions to both the racing and educational sectors. 

The aim of HEROS is to create new opportunities for ex-racehorses and young people in bespoke retraining and education programmes.

“I am so honoured to receive this award from RoR because they lead the way in this sphere,” said Grace.

“While we also do different work at HEROS, there’s no doubt that my heart lies with the horses. 

“I hope that we continue to grow, expand, and reach more targets, making a real impact on the aftercare of former racehorses.”

Elite winners

The winners of the 2024 RoR Elite awards were:

  • RoR Elite Dressage Champion – Tapaidh Frankie, owned and ridden by Tracy Thirlwall
  • RoR Elite Polo Champion – Dark Hedges, owned and ridden by Matt Perry
  • RoR Elite Endurance Champion – Art Mauresque, owned and ridden by Hayley Gilmore
  • Tattersalls RoR Elite Showing Champion – Minella Rebellion, owned and ridden by Katie Dashwood
  • RoR Tattersalls Supreme Champion – Gentleman at Arms, owned and ridden by Harriet Edmunds
  • RoR Elite Eventing Champion – Bayaanaatt, part-owned and ridden by Izzy Taylor
  • RoR Elite Showjumping Champion – The Iron Factor, owned and ridden by Jessie Welch

“The RoR Awards celebrate the incredible adaptability and success of former racehorses in new careers,” said David Catlow, managing director of RoR.

“They serve as a powerful reminder of the impact of retraining racehorses into second careers and highlight our ongoing commitment to creating opportunities for these exceptional athletes. 

“This milestone anniversary not only celebrates the past but reaffirms our commitment to their bright futures.”

Main image © Claire Lewis, videos © RoR.

Further reading