Find a syndicate/ racing club
Search a range of ownership options near you.
Handsome chestnut Definitly Red is already synonymous with the Liverpool venue, having won two Many Clouds Chases and paraded there at this year’s National as an equine ambassador for the famous track.
Now he’s set to compete in two classes with his devoted owner Andy Robertson, who looked after him in his role as travelling head lad for Yorkshire trainer Brian Ellison before being gifted the 14-year-old upon his retirement two years ago.
Definitly Red jumps well and wins the Many Clouds Chase for trainer @BERacingLtd pic.twitter.com/Qky6wmsZJ4
— Aintree Racecourse (@AintreeRaces) December 9, 2017
“I’m so proud of what we’ve both achieved,” he says, “and going back to Aintree makes it extra special because he did so well there as a racehorse. Qualifying for the Finals this summer was the main objective and I’m really looking forward to it.
“It’s very special for me as a rider, too, and we’ll have plenty of support on the day. My wife Laura grooms for me and my sister Michelle, who helps me exercise him, will be there with family and friends.”
Red will compete in the In-Hand and Amateur Ridden championships at the four-day show after qualifying atthe Yorkshire Sports Horse Show in June, where he won both classes and was crowned RoR Champion.
He was also in top form at his local Malton Show, taking the red rosette in the In-hand class and finishing third in the Ridden competition before being pulled out as Reserve Champion, and came away with a creditable fifth in a class of 35 at the Great Yorkshire Show.
“I was proud of him that day because he still lacks experience and we were taking on professionally produced horses. I just do it for fun and because I love riding him so much.”
Red is instantly recognisable wherever he goes, says Andy, who gets up at 5am every day to school and exercise him. “He’s got quite a big fan club and people often come up to pat him and have photos taken with him.
“He loves every minute of it. He’s still got a bit to learn because he can be a little racy at times but he’s really developed into a lovely show horse with plenty of muscle and a great top line. He’s even got a bit of a belly these days.
“I put a lot of work into him to try and improve our performance in the ridden classes but he still enjoys a blast up the gallops at Malton every now and again. He’s never forgotten he was a racehorse and it does him good to have some fun.”
As Ellison’s travelling head lad, Andy accompanied Definitly Red to all but two of his 30 races, taking him to his two Grand Nationals and four Cheltenham Festivals.
He won 11 times for Ellison including back-to-back Grade 2 Many Clouds Chases and a Rowland Meyrick Chase and a Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby, amassing around £430,000 in prize money.