Losing Highworth racehorse is now an eventing hit (From Swindon Advertiser)

Losing Highworth racehorse is now an eventing hit

8:00pm Wednesday 6th March 2013 in News By Katie Bond

A HIGHWORTH racehorse, famed for always coming last, has carved out a new career in the world of eventing.

Inishmor, now nine years old, only raced three times over three years and in racing terms ‘failed to trouble the judge’ – always finishing at the bottom of the pile.

Despite his poor performance, Inishmor has now been chosen to take part in Cheltenham Festival’s Opening Day Parade on March 12, something which seemed almost impossible following his limited ability on the track.

But after a period of retraining at the HEROS of North Farm Stud Retraining of Racehorses programme, Inishmor was placed with professional international eventing rider Paul Tapner, of Tapner Eventing Team, based at Wickstead Farm, near Highworth. He showed rapid improvement and in his first eventing season last year, Inishmor recorded two wins, two seconds and several top 10 placings.

Owner Ian Murray said: “Without the work and efforts of the Retraining of Racehorses and the rehoming centres, the future for horses like Inishmor can often be uncertain at best, with a real risk of them being frequently sold on and ending up in the wrong hands.

“I am extremely grateful to the charity and the HEROS rehoming centre at North Farm Stud for introducing both Inishmor and myself to the world of eventing.”

Inishmor has proved himself so much that he is moving up to intermediate level and will be competing in the prestigious Retraining of Racehorses championship class.

New trainer Mr Tapner, said: “As a racehorse, Inishmor would never had made it to the Cheltenham Festival, but here he is, taking part in the parade and being admired by all. It’s brilliant.”