Ascot-winning horse takes on therapy role

The therapy sessions include petting and walking Remy

A former Ascot-winning racehorse has swapped the racecourse for a rehabilitation centre to help people recovering from brain injuries.

Remy has been making the visits to Brainkind Neurological Centre in Bishopthorpe, York, as part of a therapy scheme in partnership with York Racecourse.

People on rehabilitation programmes can pet and walk Remy, which neuropsychologists say can help stimulate the brain and benefit the individual's recovery.

The five-furlong sprinter retired in 2018 after a successful racing career and was trained in his new role by the New Beginnings charity.

Remy, known as Goldream during his racing career, was one of the UK's fastest horses and won the King's Stand Stakes at Ascot in 2015.

Pam Atkinson, a trainer at the charity, said: "We're really proud of what Remy does.

"We say, 'people help horses and horses help people', and horses really do help people."

Nathan, a resident at Brainkind in York, said meeting Remy opened up childhood memories.

"I used to have ponies years ago," he said.

"It's a nice feeling and I want to get back into horse riding."

The sessions help improve patients' social and communication skills, Brainkind says

Clinical psychologist Miles Rogish said the "unlocking of memories" and the sparking of conversation can have a positive effect on recovery.

"Thinking back to a time before a brain injury changed your life is often a therapeutic and positive experience," he said.

"We've seen a real improvement in patients' social and communication skills."

The horse came to New Beginnings in 2020 after retiring two years earlier and became a York Racecourse ambassador in 2022.

The racecourse later partnered with Brainkind for the therapy sessions, with future visits already planned.

"We'd love to come back," said Ms Atkinson.

"If one person can feel better from meeting Remy then we've achieved something."

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