A major equestrian event has been renamed in honour of County Durham rider Gemma Potts, who sustained a life-changing spinal injury in 2021.
The Glamour Stakes will now raise funds for Potts, from Crook, who underwent emergency spinal surgery at James Cook University Hospital and spent several months in intensive care, followed by three years in residential care.
She now requires ongoing therapy and a 12-week rehabilitation programme at STEPS Rehabilitation Centre in Sheffield, which costs £10,500 per week.
The renamed Gemma Potts Glamour Stakes is part of The Jockey Club Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) National Championships, with all proceeds going towards funding her care.
A spinal injury occurs when damage to the spinal cord results in loss of function, such as mobility or sensation. After intensive care, Potts spent three years in residential facilities before returning home, where she now requires continuous therapeutic support.
“Being part of the RoR community has been such a rewarding experience,” Potts said.
“Competing at the RoR National Championships with Charlie was a dream come true and I’m incredibly thankful to everyone at RoR for the opportunities and the support they’ve given me throughout my journey so far.”
The Gemma Potts Glamour Stakes is a fancy dress class open to all RoR members and their former racehorses, inviting participants to dress in their finest attire during the Saturday evening performance.
Potts is a previous winner of the class. Last year’s title went to Jenna Foskett from Merseyside, who competed alongside her retired racehorse, East Harlem.
This year’s RoR National Championships will take place from 19 to 24 August at the Aintree International Equestrian Centre. It is the UK’s largest competition dedicated to former racehorses, with six days of showing, dressage and jumping events.
The championships conclude with the crowning of The Tattersalls RoR Ridden Showing Supreme Champion during the Saturday evening show.
This year’s event also coincides with the start of National Racehorse Week, a nationwide celebration running from 23 to 31 August. More than 90 events will be held across the country, offering 12,000 free places for the public to visit training yards and retraining centres.
Among those taking part is trainer Michael Dods, who will open his Denton Hall Stables to visitors on Tuesday 26 August.
RoR, established in 2000, promotes the welfare of former racehorses through retraining, rehoming and supporting second careers in other equestrian disciplines.
Donations to support Potts’ rehabilitation can be made via her GoFundMe page. Further details about the Gemma Potts Glamour Stakes and entry information can be found on the RoR National Championships website. National Racehorse Week events are listed at www.nationalracehorseweek.uk. For sponsorship enquiries, contact Becci Thompson at thompson@ror.org.uk.
