Robert Palm and Koko Pop show Melbourne race goers there is a rewarding career for retired race horses

Robert Palm and Koko Pop (photo: Gone Riding Media and Photography)

Report & Photos by: Geoff McLean T/A Gone Riding Media and Photography

Saturday 29 August may have been a bleak winter’s day in Melbourne but it was Memsie Stakes Day at Caulfield, which kicks off the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival.  This Year’s race was won by Boban, ridden by Glyn Schofield. Featuring along side the Memsie Stakes was Triequithon 2015; short course eventing for retired thoroughbred race horses. 

This prestigious event sponsored by Racing Victoria’s Off The Track Program is becoming a highlight amongst eventers and proving popular with race goers.  This year 7,000 patrons watched twelve riders and their mounts competing for a prize pool exceeding $15,000 with $5,000.00 on offer for the winner.

Between races riders and their mounts completed a Lynn Roycroft modified Equestrian Australia dressage test, then negotiated a Ewan Kellet CCI 1 star demonstration Cross Country Course and to conclude proceedings, jumped a Paul Williams designed CCI 1 show jumping course. This year competitors came from far and wide with Lyndal Yelavich making the trip from NSW.

The 2015 Triequithon was won by Robert Palm, from Melbourne’s South East, riding his wife Cassie’s horse Koko Pop who raced as Ebony Act.  Koko Pop won with a final score of 48.

Daniel Pearce from WA, who trained Koko Pop to a solitary tenth place as a race horse was at the track to support Robert, and was heard to say “It’ll be the only time he’ll ever win at Caulfield”.

The future looks very bright for this combination, the win caps off a stellar year having also won the CCI 1 Star at the prestigious Melbourne International 3 Day Event.  Robert commented after his win “Conditions weren’t in our favour today but he’s a genuine honest solid performer”.

In second place was Nina Griffiths, third placegetter was Tayla Childs, fourth Stephanie Thornton and fifth Sam Jeffree.

Triequithon, the brain child of Paul Chow is now in its second year it has yet again successfully demonstrated to the race going public that retired racehorses go on to have a great life after their racing careers.  Several race goers when asked for their thoughts commented “We had no idea ex-racehorse had such opportunities”.  Triequithon is a brilliant marketing concept for our sport and generously supported Racing Victoria’s Off The Track Program

Well done to Paul and his team! We need to get behind them and continue to support their efforts.

Remember, if you are considering taking a thoroughbred off the track, seek professional advice right from day one.  Follow a process, get involved with a riding club and enjoy your training, if you follow these simple steps with the advice proffered by the likes of well known equestrian educator and coach Jonna McLean, you will be rewarded with enormous pleasure for many years.

Quick Links

• View Thoroughbreds for sale on Horsezone
• View more photos from the event here goneridingmedia.com.au