DON’T LOOK DOWN, aka “Bruce”, who ran in the colours of Solario Racing, was retired earlier this year, following an injury but is now enjoying a new life at Welwyn Equestrian Centre, the home of two of his owners, Peter and Kay Ivory.
The 5yo grey son of Aussie Rules (hence the nickname “Bruce!”) ran four times as a 3yo on the all-weather with form figures of 4322. On his second run, he was involved in a three-way photo finish and the 25/1 shot was beaten two noses while his two seconds were behind horses who went on to be rated 90 and 94. Adam Kirby who rode the horse at Kempton on the fourth occasion, spoke in glowing terms and thought he had a future.
Unfortunately for horse and owners, Bruce suffered an injury on the gallops in November 2019 just before he was going to try and break his duck at Redcar. He had a long period of box rest both at Harper Lodge Farm and Childwickbury Stud and although he improved, sadly he wasn’t sufficiently sound to continue as a racehorse.
Syndicate owners, Peter and Kay Ivory, kindly took him in early May and he’s been a real hit with everyone at the 60-box livery yard. Solario Racing’s Simon Double went to see him yesterday going through his paces in the large outdoor arena.
“I’m delighted he’s settled in so well and has really adapted to his new regime,” said Double. “I saw him walk, trot and canter and he even popped over a few poles and didn’t knock one. The girl who rode him, Zoe Weir, said she thought he could probably do dressage and the way he moved yesterday, you could certainly see he’d have every chance of doing that,” he added.
Of course, there’s a world of difference between the rigours and pressures of racehorse training and other disciplines but it’s important to find good homes for racehorses once they’ve retired and good to see them have a new life in other equestrian disciplines.
“Bruce” has certainly gone to a good home!