King's former racehorse retrained for new career

Fourth Bridge had a four year career as a racehorse

One of King Charles' former racehorses is preparing to compete in a championship as part of it's second career in dressage.

Fourth Bridge, whose non racing name is William, retired from racing in 2020 and has undergone retraining at Thoroughbred Dressage in Buckinghamshire since November 2021.

He is set to compete at the RoR National Dressage Horse Elementary Open Championship in Aintree on 23 August, a competition exclusive for former racehorses.

Trainer Louise Robson admitted riding the King's former horse at the event was "daunting" but added the event was "a whole celebration of what these horses do once these horses retire from racing".

Fourth Bridge, also known as William, has been retraining in dressage since 2021

"It is a bit daunting when you trot down the centre line and it gets announced your horse that's owned by the King, it comes with such a level of responsibility and honour," she said.

Before being owned by King Charles the eleven-year-old had belonged to Queen Elizabeth II.

The monarch regularly asked for updates and visits with her former racehorse when it relocated to the retraining centre in November 2021.

Across his four-year racing career he had earnt £100,000 while under the care of trainer Charlie Longsdon.

It came to an end when Queen Elizabeth II noticed the horse had stopped enjoying jumping and he was moved to a new career in dressage.

Trainer Louise Robson said riding the King's former horse at the event is "daunting"

After a joint victory at the RoR Regional Championships Fourth Bridge, they qualified for a spot at Aintree.

Ms Robson said: “William is so lovely and such a gentleman, it’s a privilege to be trusted with his retraining journey.

"Thoroughbreds have such big hearts and love trying new disciplines after their racing careers, and I take great joy in helping them through that process."