They may have finished racing years ago but horse such as Oasis Sunrise with a grand total of zero dollars prizemoney from 4 starts as well as the handy galloper Field Dictator who amassed almost $63K in prizemoney are having another crack at stardom at the upcoming 2016 Gresford Show.

Torryburn Stud has initiated the inaugural Off The Track Classic for thoroughbreds who have raced or trailed in Australia or overseas.  The class to be run on Saturday 12 March is attracting thoroughbreds of differing abilities on the track who have been given a second career as a show horse upon retirement.  The class offers $500 cash for the winner of the ridden class and $200 for the winner of the led class - both of which will be judged by the judge of the hack ring in conjunction with a thoroughbred industry professional.  This year, Torryburn Stud's Yearling Manager Vanessa Benson, herself a keen equestrian will judge the event.  Vanessa has prepared thoroughbred yearlings for sale throughout the world and is looking forward to casting her experienced eye over the equine entrants.  Conformation, thoroughbred qualities and temperament will all be taken into account.

The versatility of the breed allows retired racehorses to be retrained in the different disciplines of equestrian sport including showjumping, eventing, dressage, polo and show riding and the dedication, time, money and effort that goes into preparing these horses for equestrian competition is enormous.  Pictured above is Torryburn Stud's own home bred Huckleberry Friend who went on to a rich career in the show world winning Champion Hack of Queensland.

The Class will qualify the winner and runner up of the ridden event for the State finals of the Off The Track Series.

Entries for the event are via www.nominate.com.au (select Ag Shows from the dropdown).  For further information, please call Melanie Sunderland on 02- 4938 9739.