Thirteen-year-old retrained racehorse Liverpool was revealed as The Jockey Club RoR Horse of the Year Champion at the RoR Awards Ceremony held in Newmarket (Monday 16th November). The RoR Awards night, which was hosted by guest presenter and RoR Patron Clare Balding, recognises the achievements of former racehorses adapting and excelling in their new careers with the presentation of prizes totalling £17,500 to each of the 2015 RoR Elite Series’ Champions in dressage, showjumping, showing, eventing, polo and endurance.

Winning The Jockey Club RoR Horse of the Year Champion Award was a genuine surprise to Liverpool’s owner Susan Mason and her daughter Joanna.  The perpetual RoR Horse of the Year Champion’s Trophy, as well as VIP tickets to the opening day of 2016 Cheltenham Festival were presented by Stephen Wallis, Group Director of
International and Racing Relations for The Jockey Club, the sponsors of this prestigious RoR award to Susan and Joanna Mason.  

RoR Chief Executive, Di Arbuthnot said; 

“We chose to recognise Liverpool as this talented horse is a great all-rounder in hunting, showing, jumping and side-saddle. He epitomises the adaptability and versatility of so many retrained racehorses in their new careers.” 

Liverpool was trained under rules by Joanna’s Grandfather renowned racehorse trainer Mick Easterby and won two point to points and had numerous places before retiring to the hunting field with Ian Mason, Joanne’s father, in 2010.
Joanna, an amateur jockey who rides in point to points and amateur races under rules, has also been showing for two seasons with Liverpool during the summer months. Joanna and Liverpool have enjoyed success in several of the RoR Series of competitions including the RoR Hunting Series final and the RoR Elite Series finals at both Hickstead and Windsor.