Dominic and Lindsay Thatcher have spoken out in favour of a planning application to allow the building of an urgently needed new equine surgery.
Their call follows a victory by their racehorse, Rubeus, who won his first race in the UK following over a year of corrective surgery and treatment that is not currently possible in the Island.
Commenting on the need for the new centre Lindsay said: “Without this surgical intervention Rubeus could have been left with a lifetime of back pain and with no chance of ever taking to the racetrack, let alone winning the race at Wolverhampton last Saturday. Without the facilities planned for the ‘equine wellness centre’ at La Geonniere, on Rue des Platons in Trinity we were forced to submit Rubeus to the arduous trip to England by ferry.”
Lindsay and Dominic then decided after the surgery, and with consultation with specialist vets, that the best option over the winter was to keep him moving and get him fitter. This meant a further return to England and Scott Dixon’s Wolverhampton yard.
“This race was his third since returning to the racetrack having moved up in the handicap. We were all delighted that after such a long process of medical intervention, rehabilitation and travel he managed to beat the field of eight, ridden as usual, by Elisha Whittington, an exciting young jockey making an impact around the UK”, said Lindsay.
“A proud day for both Elisha and Rubeus but also a reminder of the need to improve the equine facilities in Jersey, not least at a time when ferry costs have risen so sharply.
“Our hope is that Rubeus can be the standard bearer for other Jersey horses that may not have the option to travel to the UK for treatment that could be provided by the newly planned equine surgery.”
Pictured: Left to right – Scott Dixon, Dominic Thatcher, Ema-Leigh Wright, Elisha Whittington, Lindsay Thatcher
