Madam, - The only consolation in the loss of the great old horse Dorans Pride is that his death might prevent other horses from being brought back from a well-earned retirement to be subjected to the same fate.
Dorans Pride owed nothing and had nothing to prove, having given so much pride and pleasure to so many people throughout his glorious career.
It is reported that the horse was unhappy in retirement but is retirement really retirement? As featured in The Irish Times recently, the Irish Horse Welfare Trust has started the first racehorse re-training for re-homing programme in Ireland. Three such programmes are run successfully in the UK. Most horses taken out of a racing environment adapt happily given a chance and can then go on to a new and interesting life. - Yours, etc.,
SHARON NEWSOME, Irish Horse Welfare Trust, Roundwood, Co Wicklow.