The upcoming Equimillion in October is a showcase event for off the track thoroughbreds conducted by Racing NSW and horse breeder Fionnuala Timoney of Calvados Bloodstock has seized the opportunity to show her support for these horses and their riders.
We have received many expressions of interest at Breednet from riders seeking sponsorship and one of those was from outstanding young showjumping rider Paton Simpson, who is based at Kempsey in Northern NSW.
Paton has had a lot of success riding thoroughbreds and looked a good match for Calvados Bloodstock with her old marvel Port Command (Commands) in top form this year. The Commands gelding has just turned 20 and recently qualified for the 2025 Magic Millions Off the Track Cup with a third placing in the qualifier at Caboolture last month.
She also has a young gun on the rise in Citylights PLS, a six year-old American Pharoah (USA) gelding, who raced unsuccessfully as Pharoahcity with five starts failing to yield a placing…. Jumping is proving far more rewarding with a string of wins and placings this year in thoroughbred classes including at the TSHA Nationals in May.
“Events like Equimillion are great not only for the competitors involved, who of course invest a huge amount of time and money to get their horses competition ready, but these events are also a great way of showcasing to the wider equestrian and breeding communities the versatility of Thoroughbreds,” Fionnuala Timoney said.
The concept of sponsorship of riders from those who work and make their livelihood within the racing and breeding world is an opportunity not to be missed.
“There is great prizemoney on offer over the four days of Equimillion, and while the entry fee for the classes means many of the competitors are having to look for sponsorship, an offshoot as a result is that new relationships are being forged between the breeding and racing industries and the equestrian industry, and I think that is a real positive,” Fionnuala added.
“I think the more people like me that get behind events like this, the better. My life and my livelihood revolve around these beautiful animals and so it is great to give a little back and do my bit to help highlight how wonderfully versatile ex-racehorses are.
“Tara (Breednet Editor) put me in contact with Paton Simpson of PLS Performance Horses, who counts two lovely ex-racehorses among her small team of showjumpers, and I was more than happy to sponsor Paton for Equimillion and cover the costs of her entries for this year’s event.”
Fionnuala is looking forward to cheering on Paton at this year’s Equimillion, but more importantly is thoroughly enjoying following her journey as she prepares Port Commands and Citylights PLS for this year’s event.
“It is wonderful to see the great relationship Paton has with these horses, and to see loving home she has given them,” she said.
“While I competed in showjumping and eventing as a teenager, my competition days are long behind me. These days I just like to hop on my ex-racehorse Frivolosophy, aka Sophie, who I purchased in an online sale in November 2022, and go for a trail ride.”
If you have any interest in sponsoring a rider for Equimillion do send us an email at media@breednet.com.au
