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Redlynch Equestrian Association taking in all kinds of Off The Track Thoroughbreds

27 April 2021

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ruby-and-red.JPGBy Jordan Gerrans

From the age of four up to the veterans of almost two decades, The Redlynch Equestrian Association caters for all kinds of Off The Track thoroughbreds.

The Cairns-based club earlier this month held the Racing Queensland Championship Classes, with 56 riders taking part in the event.

President Rob Button, who has been in the racing industry for generations, says the Redlynch Equestrian Association prides itself on being able to take former racehorses towards a second lease on life.

He estimated around 30% of the club’s membership comes directly from a racetrack such as Cairns’ Cannon Park or Townsville’s Cluden, among others in the north of Queensland. 

“We have a fair percentage of Off The Track thoroughbreds as racing is pretty strong in the north of the state and there is plenty of horses around,” Button said.

“When horses are retired up this way, there is avenue straight from the racetrack to us, which is great for us to be able to pick them up.

“There is quite a few straight from the racetrack to us.”

As a club, the Redlynch Equestrian Association boasts 160 members, of which 56 riders took part in the recent Championship Classes, which Racing Queensland sponsored.

“For up here, that is a strong turn out for the first event of the season,” the club president said.

“It was really well supported.”

The recent event consisted of two different classes, an 80cm and 95cm Off The Track Thoroughbred Championship.

A stalwart of the equestrian game, Sugarbag Red Impressions, at 20 years of age, took out the top prize in the 95cm class, while Cherry Ma Cherie won the day in the 80cm segment.

Since leaving the track over 15 years ago, Sugarbag Red Impressions has gone on to compete a higher level away from the north of Queensland, as well.

Second in the 80cm class was Motal, a former racehorse who finished up only a few months ago.

Motal was last trained by Jennifer Williams at Toowoomba, having nine career starts, with his best ever finish being fourth at Chinchilla in late August 2020.

Motal.JPGButton owns Motal as the son of Uncle Mo now resides at his property.

“Motal (pictured) is a four-year-old and last raced in October, who is straight off the track,” Button said.

“And, then we have a horse that is jumping around at 20-years-old, we have them range from all ages.

“Motal ran 20 lengths last in his last start and is a big thing, he is 17.2 hands and is a gentle giant with a great nature.

“He was not that quick, but we were keen to get a nice home for him and he has found that up here in Cairns.”

Button first got a taste of the racing industry through his father and grandfather, who both trained.

He has gone on to own a few racehorses, as well as dabbling in breeding over the years.

After stepping away from equestrian many years ago, Button got back into the sport through his daughter around a decade ago before eventually becoming president of the FNQ club.