Three-time Dubai Gold Cup winner Vazirabad to parade at Longchamp as part of Arc Promise charity initiative

Vazirabad tuned up for what might be the biggest day of his second career when showing off some of his dressage moves at Chantilly on Saturday. 

The three-time Dubai Gold Cup winner is an ambassador for France's retraining and rehoming charity Au-Dela des Pistes (ADDP), which announced this week that the Aga Khan's son of Manduro will parade and then give a demonstration at Longchamp in front of the packed stands on Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe day on October 6.

As well as shining the light of publicity on just how adaptable thoroughbreds can be in other equestrian sporting and leisure activities once they have finished their racing careers, Vazirabad's presence at Longchamp will also highlight the fifth edition of the Arc Promise, a drive to attract donations from within the racing and breeding industry across French racing's biggest weekend of the year. 

Modelled on a similar pledge by the organisers of the Breeders' Cup on behalf of the US-based Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, the Arc Promise invites jockeys, trainers, owners and breeders to commit a small percentage of their winnings over the two days at Longchamp. 

Vazirabad and Gaelle Jonchery after their dressage display at ChantillyCredit: Racing Post/Burton

The money pledged is ringfenced for taking on racehorses that are either injured or in need of rest and recuperation before being passed on to one of ADDP's accredited retraining and rehoming centres, a vital intermediate step on the road to finding a permanent new owner in the sporting or leisure riding sector. 

The first four editions of the Arc Promise raised more than £200,000, while ADDP states that for each €50,000 raised, 50 horses can be taken care of for six months. 

Vazirabad was entrusted to event rider Gaelle Jonchery by the Aga Khan Studs in the spring of 2021 with the idea that he could become an ambassador on ADDP's retraining racedays. 

Having shown promise and an aptitude for dressage, Jonchery was then allowed to begin entering Vazirabad into classes and, judging by his display at Chantilly, the now 12-year-old is a willing and patient pupil. 

To pledge a donation for the Arc Promise, contact Carole Desmetz by email at carole.desmetz@audeladespistes.fr  or by phone +33 6 86 76 25 06

Read these next:

Alain de Royer-Dupre hails 'exceptional' Vazirabad as staying star is retired 

Vazirabad the newest ambassador for French retraining of racehorses charity 

'Now that he knows me, he really trusts me' - new beginnings in dressage for great stayer Vazirabad 

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