Strong attendance at Great Southern’s first Off the Track clinic including former racing star Black Heart Bart

Local riders and retired racehorses enjoyed the first Off the Track Clinic held in the Great Southern at the Albany Equestrian Centre last week.

Racing and Wagering WA has partnered with Equestrian WA in a series of events across the State through its Off the Track program.

Nearly 40 retired horses attended the two-day event that began in Albany on Friday.

Champion WA thoroughbred Black Heart Bart headlined the retired racehorses at the event which also included Action, The Cruel Sea, Fairly Hot, Imperial Grand, Rock Prince, Hostwin Pegasus, He’s Smokin, Real Target, and Waychinicup.

Black Heart Bart is enjoying life on Graeme Weinert’s farm in Redmond and was ridden by his daughter Amarlie.

RWWA’s Charlotte Mills said the event was a great success.

“We are incredibly pleased with the success of our first clinic in Albany, with not only strong support from the locals, but also riders travelling from as far as Esperance and Salmon Gums to attend with their off-the-track horses,” Mills said.

“At RWWA we are committed to ensuring our racehorses not only receive the best levels of care during their racing careers, but also once they retire.

“These clinics are designed to ensure ongoing support and guidance for our ex-racehorses and their new owners to ensure a smooth transition from racing to equestrian or pleasure pursuits.”