Millionaire pacer Arden Rooney will make his life after racing debut this weekend.
Re-trainer Steve Cox has earmarked the nine-year-old gelding to step into the spotlight as part of a liberty demonstration at the Elmore Equestrian Centre.
The demonstration coincides with a three-day qualifying competition for the Equestrian Australia 2020 Inter School Championships.
A former New Zealand Cup and Hunter Cup winner who retired prematurely from racing due to injury, ‘Rooney’ commenced his liberty education in February this year.
The son of leading sire Bettors Delight has excelled in the new vocation under Cox’s guidance, showing a high level of intelligence and train-ability.
He is building an impressive resume of new skills, including bowing, standing on a pedestal, gesturing yes and no and smiling on command.
“We have taken Rooney along to a number of dressage competitions since he joined our stable, just to show him that he can go on a float without having to race,” Cox explained.
“But this weekend will be the first time we have asked him to reproduce his liberty training away from home.
“It’s a good opportunity to introduce him to a different venue and a live audience on a small scale. It will be a huge learning curve for him but we’re looking forward to flying the HERO flag."
Saturday night’s show is open to members of the public as well as inter-school competitors, their parents and friends.
Arden Rooney’s retraining has been supported by the Harness Racing Victoria HERO Program and his racing owners Merv and Meg Butterworth of Decron Horse Care.
Saturday night’s show will commence at 6.30pm. Dinner is available prior at a cost of $25 but bookings are essential.
Contact Elmore Equestrian Club via email elmoreequestrianclub@gmail.com for more details.
Tanya McDermott