Newmarket’s Rowley Mile racecourse became the centre of an important industry discussion last week as leading figures from British and Irish racing gathered for the inaugural “Behind The Bridle” seminar, an event focused on equine welfare, retraining, and the long-term wellbeing of thoroughbreds beyond their racing careers.
Thoroughbred welfare and retraining seminar
Hosted by trainer Richard Phillips and broadcaster Hannah Baycroft, the seminar brought together specialists from across racing, education, veterinary science, and rehabilitation to examine how the industry can continue improving standards of care for racehorses during and after their time in training.
Held for the first time and organised by The Jockey Club, the event aimed to encourage open discussion around horse welfare while also highlighting the progress already being made across the sport.
Among the panel members were Andrew Braithwaite, Anna Kerr, Diana Cooper, Group 1-winning trainer James Ferguson, veterinary researcher Dr Rachel Annan and rehabilitation specialist Therese Murphy.
Discussions covered a broad range of subjects, from preparing horses for retirement and retraining to ensuring stable staff are properly educated in equine care and behaviour. Speakers also explored how a deeper understanding of horse psychology and welfare can contribute positively to both performance and post-racing life.
Richard Phillips described the panel as “absolutely brilliant” and stressed that the seminar was intended as the beginning of a wider conversation rather than a standalone occasion.
He said the willingness of industry participants to exchange ideas and challenge existing practices was essential if racing was to continue improving the lives of thoroughbreds.
Phillips also pointed to the wide range of organisations represented at the event, including retraining centres, welfare groups, educational institutions, and racing authorities, all united by a common objective.
According to Phillips, the discussion around horse welfare is one that the sport must continue having openly, even when certain subjects may feel uncomfortable, because every stakeholder ultimately shares responsibility for the wellbeing of the thoroughbred.
The Newmarket trainer noted that racing had already made considerable progress in improving standards of care, while adding that there remained opportunities to continue learning and developing best practices.
He also highlighted the adaptability and intelligence of thoroughbreds, explaining that successful retraining depends on understanding how horses think, behave, and respond once their racing careers conclude.
The seminar formed part of a broader welfare-focused weekend at Rowley Mile Racecourse during the Spring Meeting. On the Saturday, racegoers were given an immersive experience centred on life after racing, with retired horses present on course alongside educational exhibits and demonstrations.
The initiative was organised in partnership with Retraining of Racehorses and several other industry groups to increase public awareness around aftercare and retraining opportunities for former racehorses.
Among the retired thoroughbreds showcased during the weekend was Kinross, allowing racegoers to see first-hand how former racehorses can transition successfully into different roles after leaving competitive racing behind.
Phillips believes initiatives such as Behind The Bridle can also help strengthen public understanding of the care racehorses receive throughout their lives.
He pointed out that many thoroughbreds benefit from carefully managed nutrition, structured exercise programmes, veterinary attention, and round-the-clock care, while emphasising that the industry must still strive to improve wherever possible.
The trainer added that continued conversations around welfare, retraining, and aftercare would play an important role in shaping the future of the sport and ensuring horses enjoy fulfilling lives both during and after their racing careers.
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