From racetrack to polo field

For every champion, there are thousands of racehorses who never achieve return on investment. Siobhán Herbst believes retraining them as polo horses may change that, writes Emmet Ryan

Siobhán Herbst: ‘There are fabulous horses coming through that can be re-trained in a direction where they are happier’ Picture: Maura Hickey

The decision made last month for Justify, the winner of American racing’s triple crown this year, to retire came as little surprise. In a track career spanning just 112 days, the horse won all six races it entered and now looks likely to have its stud rights sold to Coolmore for around $60 million. It’s a good situation for its owners.

For every Justify, there are thousands of other racehorses that don’t come ...