Horse Power obtains accreditation.

Greatwoods is a superb centre involved in the rehabilitation of rescued race horses. For the last two years, in a unique move, these rehabilitated horses have been used in the Greatwoods ‘Horse Power’ programme. The course, which has been recently recognised by the Open College Network, provides Special Needs Children in Wiltshire and Berkshire with an opportunity to obtain a formal qualification which is fully accredited.

‘Horse Power’ offers children with special educational needs the opportunity to learn communication skills and emotional literacy through interaction with the  centre’s rescued former race horses. While the course is only available on a local basis at present, it is hoped to eventually spread the availability of the course nationwide through satellite centres.   

The course was originally written by Greatwood’s special needs teacher Laura Jones, and she feells the new accreditation is fully justified, as the children who attend make such great progress, they deserve something tangible to show for all their efforts.

The participating children aim for two levels, and the courses have credit value which can be used in future life when applying for College or work.

Horse Feed causes disqualifications.

At a recent BHA Disciplinary Panel meeting, trainers Andrew Haynes and David Wintle found their horses were disqualified for no fault of their own.

Following drug tests on Mafaheem at Wolverhampton on 19 May, Teneo Vestri at Brighton on 23 May, and Dansilver at Bath on 19 May, all three horses showed traces of morphine in their samples.

However, at the hearing, the representative of Baileys testified the results were the consequence of a batch of horse feed which had been accidentally contaminated in the production process.

Although both trainers were cleared of any charge of malpractice, under the Rules of Racing, their horses were summarily disqualified. This was particularly disappointing to Andrew Haynes, as Mafaheem had won his race at Wolverhampton on 19 May.

Gunfighter banished from racing.

When trainer Bob Johnson's Gunfighter refused to race in the Beeswing Stakes at Newcastle on 26 July, the horse inadvertantly assured future banishment from racing.

The incident at Newcastlefollowed previous refusals to race at Hamilton on 11 June, and Pontefract on 08 July. Under the Rules of Racing, three consecutive refusals to race ensured Gunfighter would not be allowed to compete in any future races.