Essex-based former racehorse Sugar Rush, and owner Daisy Adamson, have been shortlisted for the My Pension Expert Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Horse of the Year Award following an excellent year in dressage.
Daisy rehomed Sugar Rush, lovingly known by stable name Marley, in 2015 after it became apparent after seven months of training that racing wasn’t for him. Initially bought for polocrosse, the pair have gone on to compete successfully in dressage, showjumping and eventing, where he now competes up to British Eventing 100 level.
RoR, British horseracing’s official charity for the welfare of former racehorses, introduced the My Pension Expert Horse of the Year Award in 2014 and nominations are open to all RoR registered former racehorses who can demonstrate how they have successfully transitioned from racing to a new career. The winner will receive the Horse of the Year trophy, as well as the coveted winner’s rug.
Sugar Rush, now 14 years-old, had an outstanding 2025, achieving advanced medium level in dressage, finishing second in the Medium Cavago British Dressage RoR National Championships, and being crowned champion in the Advanced Medium RoR British Dressage Championships.
31-year-old Daisy Adamson, an equine physiotherapist from Little Hallingbury, said: “Being nominated as a finalist for the RoR Horse of the Year Award means everything because I practically live life for Marley, my life revolves around him. He has proved that after racing, you can do whatever you like with him, you polo stick and ball with him one day and then compete in dressage the next day. To me, I think he is the proof that these horses can do anything.”
Nominations for this year’s awards came from across the racing and equestrian communities, with an independent judging panel facing the difficult task of selecting the top three finalists. Sugar Rush and Daisy are up against Back to Buxted and Polly Foster from Hersham, and Skeaping and Claire Howie from Stoke-on-Trent.
David Catlow, Managing Director of RoR, commented: “We’re thrilled to open public voting for these prestigious awards. The finalists showcase the depth of care and dedication from the community, as well as the remarkable versatility of Thoroughbreds as they transition into new careers.”
In a demonstration of the awards significance, RoR Patron Zara Tindall will open the ceremony, highlighting the important work and continued dedication of the RoR community.
Zara Tindall said: “It is always a pleasure to celebrate the extraordinary journeys of former racehorses. The Retraining of Racehorses Awards not only recognise their achievements but also highlight the vital role of responsible aftercare and the commitment shown by owners, riders and the wider community.”
The 2026 RoR Horse of the Year Award is supported by My Pension Expert. Their backing reinforces the importance of recognising former racehorses who excel beyond the racetrack and reflects a genuine commitment to equine welfare and the future of Thoroughbreds in new careers.
Previous recipients of the Horse of the Year Award include famed and celebrated former racehorses Liverpool, Monet’s Garden, Beware Chalk Pit, Monkerty Tunkerty, the late HM The Queen’s horse Quadrille, First Fandango, Que Sera, and the current title holder Master Wickham.
The public vote is now open and closes at 5pm on Friday 9 January. To review all the finalists’ stories and participate in the voting process, visit www.ror.org.uk/awards. The winner will be announced at the RoR Awards at Cheltenham Racecourse on Festival Trials Day on Saturday 24 January 2026.
