Staffordshire's former star racehorse named RoR Horse of the Year finalist

After a successful racing career that included five wins in 53 races, two within 24 hours at Fakenham and Stratford, Claire bought Skeaping, now affectionately known as Skeaps, in 2021, during the Covid-19 pandemic. Since then, the pair have gone on to compete in dressage and eventing to great success.  

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. 

Skeaping, now 12 years-old, has successfully retrained into a number of equine disciplines, becoming the RoR Dressage Intro champion in 2022, and in 2024 qualifying for the Bramham British Eventing 80 Championship. 2025 was a quieter competition year as Claire recovered from back surgery, but the pair did attend the British Riding Club Arena Eventing National Championships as the sole representatives of the Macclesfield and District Riding Club.  

39-year-old Claire Howie, a class one lorry driver from Stoke-on-Trent, said: “When I got the email saying we were shortlisted as finalists I couldn’t believe it. He is my best friend and has helped me as I have had a lot of battles to deal with this year. Our partnership and bond is closer than ever.  

Claire added: “If we won, it would be the pinnacle for us, and we could look back with great pride at what we have achieved on our own.”  

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

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 awards 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, January 9. To review all the finalists’ stories and participate in the voting process, visit ror.org.uk/awards. The winner will be announced at the RoR Awards at Cheltenham Racecourse on Festival Trials Day on Saturday, January 24, 2026.