Thoroughbred Polo Performance Classes took place at Dublin's All Ireland Polo Club last Friday, hosted by Treo Eile, Ireland's thoroughbred retraining organisation.
Fledgling polo ponies, split into three different classes, showcased their ability to perform polo movements to renowned thoroughbred retrainer and polo player Ross Ainsley. The winner of each class received a €1,000 prize, sponsored by the Irish EBF.
Stephen Power won the Three-Year-Old Class with Flintshire filly Zorka and Siobhan Herbst's unnamed Order of St George filly out of Ciara's Oscar won the Four-Year-Old Class. Meanwhile, Richard Tyrone took the Five/Six-Year Old Class with Lady Ravena, a daughter of Raven's Pass.
The performance classes were followed by a demonstration by Ainsley. He explained how he starts young horses, what attributes he looks for in a thoroughbred and how he has learnt to use different tack and bits.
“If you get a very good thoroughbred in polo, a thoroughbred that wants to stop and turn, they're the best horses in the world,” said Ainsley. “They're the ultimate athlete.”
The event was part of Treo Eile's ongoing commitment to showcasing the versatility of the thoroughbred beyond racing, highlighting polo as an exciting and rewarding second career. Through initiatives such as the Polo Performance Classes, Treo Eile aims to encourage greater awareness of the opportunities available for retired racehorses, while supporting owners and trainers in exploring new careers for these horses.
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