There was a very special visitor at Newton Abbot Racecourse on Monday as one of jump racing’s most recognisable stars returned to the track – this time to meet racegoers rather than compete.
Frodon, the much-loved chaser who enjoyed a remarkable career with trainer Paul Nicholls and jockey Bryony Frost, was the latest star of our Meet An Equine Hero programme.
Frodon made 52 appearances during his racing career, winning 19 races and more than £1.1 million in prize money. His biggest victories included the 2019 Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, when he and Bryony Frost made history with a memorable front-running performance, and the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day in 2020.
His determination, bold jumping and partnership with Frost made him a firm favourite with racing fans, and his retirement in December 2023 marked the end of a career packed with memorable moments.
But retirement from racing has opened a new chapter for Frodon.
Life after racing
Frodon is now enjoying life away from the racecourse with Philippa, taking part in Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) showing classes and hacking around the Dartmoor countryside.
His new life highlights the opportunities available to racehorses once their racing careers come to an end. RoR supports the retraining and rehoming of former racehorses, helping them move into second careers in activities such as showing, dressage, showjumping, eventing and leisure riding.
Retraining takes time and every horse is different. The aim is to find an activity and environment that suits the individual horse, giving them the opportunity to develop new skills and enjoy life beyond racing.
Frodon is certainly making the most of his.
A special return to Newton Abbot
Racegoers had the chance to see Frodon in the Parade Ring before racing on Monday, where he received a warm welcome, before meeting him at the Retired Racehorse Shelter.
For those who remember him taking on some of the biggest races in National Hunt racing, it was a chance to see a different side of a horse who has given racing fans so many memorable moments.
From Cheltenham Festival winner and King George hero to enjoying a new life after racing, Frodon’s story shows that leaving the track is not the end of a racehorse’s journey – it can be the beginning of a whole new chapter.