BACK TO BUXTED, SURREY’S EXTRAORDINARY FORMER RACEHORSE, A FINALIST FOR THE PRESTIGIOUS RoR HORSE OF THE YEAR AWARD

Polly bought Back to Buxted, lovingly known by stable name Bux, in 2016 after it became clear that racing wasn’t for him. He has since shown outstanding adaptability, succeeding in cross-country eventing, showjumping, dressage, and showing.

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.

Under Polly’s stewardship Back to Buxted, now 13 years-old, has successfully retrained in variety of equine disciplines, competing at novice level in British Eventing, finishing second in the RoR Online Freestyle for Tackless Riding, and finishing joint winner of the British Eventing 100 league, all whilst barefoot. 2025 however, was a standout year for the duo, effortlessly taking to the world of showjumping, winning the RoR Elite Showjumping Performance Award, off the back of their progression to the British Showjumping Silver Horse League following a win at Wales and West.

31-year-old Polly Foster, a freelance equine physiotherapist, who also works in the training centre for the Metropolitan Police Mounted Branch, said: “It’s so nice to see that he’s being recognised as a wonderful representation of what ex-racehorses can do. He has gone under the radar for a while, so I was beside myself when I found out I was a finalist. It would just be the icing on the cake if we won, and would top off an incredible year.”

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. Back to Buxted and Polly are up against Sugar Rush and Daisy Adamson from Essex, 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.