Seymour Racing Club is strengthening its commitment to thoroughbred welfare beyond the racetrack, announcing Seymour trainer and Off The Track competitor Dean Grass as the club’s inaugural Off The Track ambassador.

The partnership will support Dean and former racehorse High Torque as they continue to compete in Off The Track events, while promoting the opportunities available to thoroughbreds after their racing careers come to an end.

To the club’s knowledge, Seymour Racing Club is the first Victorian race club to directly sponsor an individual Off The Track rider, providing a practical demonstration of its commitment to the long-term welfare and versatility of the thoroughbred.

The partnership has a particularly strong local connection, with Dean based and training at Seymour and High Torque having also completed his racing preparation at Seymour before transitioning to his second career. Seymour Racing Club chief executive officer Chris Martin said the partnership was a natural extension of the club’s responsibility to the horses at the centre of the racing industry.

“Race clubs have an important role to play in supporting the thoroughbred beyond its racing career, and this partnership gives Seymour Racing Club an opportunity to demonstrate that commitment in a practical way,” Mr Martin said.

“Dean is a passionate advocate for retired racehorses and what he has achieved with High Torque is a great example of what thoroughbreds can go on to do after racing.”

“There is also a great Seymour connection to this story. Dean trains here and High Torque was trained here during his racing career, so we are proud to support them as they represent our community in the Off The Track arena.

“We hope this partnership can also help build greater awareness of just how versatile thoroughbreds are and the many opportunities available to them once their racing careers are over.”

Racing Victoria’s Off The Track Program supports and promotes retired thoroughbred racehorses as they transition into second careers.

Thoroughbreds can successfully transition into a wide range of disciplines following racing, including eventing, dressage, show jumping, showing, polo, pleasure riding, stock work and other equestrian pursuits.

Mr Martin said supporting Dean and High Torque would also help strengthen the connection between the racing and broader equestrian communities.

“Horse welfare doesn’t finish when a horse leaves the racetrack,” he said.

“We want to see thoroughbreds given every opportunity to have a successful life after racing.

“The Seymour Racing Club is prepared to lead by example, and we are excited to follow Dean and High Torque’s journey and share their achievements with our members, participants and the wider community.”

The partnership will see Seymour Racing Club promote Dean and High Torque’s progress and use their journey to increase awareness of Off The Track opportunities and the successful transition of thoroughbreds into life after racing.

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