Enjoying his retirement is 22-year-old Roches Du Cayrou (Newday x Kahinaoura). Though bred in France he actually began his career in Germany winning twice before being imported to the UK. Here he has competed 91 times under ARO rules, winning 11 times from 5f to 2miles, the majority of races for owner-trainer Delyth Thomas [pictured below].
Thomas's granddaughter Becca writes:"Roo has been with us for 17 years. He was bought at Ascot sales, moving to his life-long home here in South Wales. He had serious foot issues when he arrived, then started winning after going barefoot and still remains shoeless to this day.
"He last won at the age of 17 at Huntingdon with George Blackwell on board who was also aged 17. Roo has given several jockeys a introduction to Arabian racing, including our own Brett Norris who had his first win on him at Huntingdon in 2004. Always known to make people laugh by pricking his ears to look at the crowd while coming down the home straight when in the lead. Up until retirement he was mainly riden by the boss (Mrs T) and although she does not like to admit to having favourites he will always be one of them!!
"He always has to have a clip and kick bolt on his door due to being an escape artist. If he does not have enough attention or anyone turns their back to his stable door he will grab your coat to stop you or another trick is remove your hat. When in the stable he loves to turn around and back in to you for a bum scratch - this can be quite alarming for people that don't know him! He is enjoying his retirement out in the field with his buddy Sooty - a miniature horse - they are quite the duo!"
