10 August 2026: Northumberland’s remarkable former racehorse, Anythingtoday, is to compete in three dressage and two showjumping classes at The Jockey Club Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) National Championships at Aintree between 18-20 August.
Now lovingly known as Roger, the 12-year-old participated in 56 races as a racehorse, most notably under the schooling of Roger Fell in North Yorkshire. In a career that included seven wins, including at Lincoln, Newmarket, and York, he retired in 2022 with over £118,000 in earnings.
After retiring in 2022, Anythingtoday completed elements of retraining, but it was under the care of Howick-based Sue Haughie, where his transition into other equine disciplines has flowered. Sue took ownership of Anythingtoday in September 2024, and the pair have gone on to compete successfully in dressage and showjumping.
However, earlier this year, the former racehorse contracted uveitis, which resulted in losing an eye. Undeterred, he has continued to demonstrate the remarkable versatility of Thoroughbreds, with success in a number of competitions.
69-year-old retired Army Officer, and proud owner of Anythingtoday, Sue Haughie, said:
“Competing with Roger at the RoR Championships is both a privilege and a pleasure. Watching an ex-racehorse develop a completely new career after racing is incredibly rewarding, and Roger’s journey has been particularly special. Despite losing an eye earlier this year, he’s shown remarkable determination and resilience, returning to training and competition with enthusiasm. To be heading to the Championships with him is something I’m very proud of, and we’re looking forward to enjoying every moment.”
The Jockey Club RoR National Championships, taking place from 18–23 August 2026 at Aintree International Equestrian Centre, is Great Britain’s largest event exclusively for former racehorses, with a record 350 horses entered to take part this year. The six-days of competition will demonstrate former racehorses in their new disciplines, including classes in showing, dressage, and jumping, before concluding with the crowning of The Tattersalls RoR Ridden Showing Supreme Champion during Saturday’s evening performance.
David Catlow, Managing Director of RoR, commented:
“The RoR National Championships is a celebration of former racehorses and their extraordinary adaptability to new disciplines, enjoying fulfilled second careers beyond the racecourse.
“The Championships also provides the perfect opportunity to highlight the vital role of RoR, and the entire racing industry, in delivering responsible aftercare for former racehorses. It promises to be an inspiring occasion that highlights the lifelong potential of racehorses.”
Retraining of Racehorses (RoR), British Horseracing’s official aftercare charity, is devoted to ensuring the welfare of racehorses when they retire from racing, and Anythingtoday’s story is one example of the various equine disciplines that former racehorses enjoy as second careers. More than 2,300 racehorses leave the sport each year with non-racing agreements, and these horses go on to a range of careers including disciplines away from competition, such as therapy horses, or leisure riding and hacking.
On the same weekend as the RoR National Championships, National Racehorse Week also begins. National Racehorse Week is a nationwide celebration of the Thoroughbred racehorse and helps shine a light on the incredible levels of care provided to racehorses across their lives, whilst providing a chance for communities to see up close the love, care and attention that goes into looking after them. To explore the full programme of the events taking place between 22-31 August, visit www.nationalracehorseweek.uk.
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