- Gemma Potts, and her former racehorse Optimal Spirit, win the Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Partnership of the Year Award 2026 supported by The Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charity Trust
- The pair won the award for their unique connection following Gemma’s life-altering spinal injury in 2021
- RoR Patron, Zara Tindall MBE, opened the awards ceremony on Saturday 24 January at Cheltenham Racecourse
Durham-based Gemma Potts, and her extraordinary former racehorse Optimal Spirit, won the inaugural Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charity Trust Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Partnership of the Year Award on Saturday 24 January, recognising their unique connection following Gemma’s life-altering spinal injury in 2021.
RoR, British Horseracing’s official charity for the welfare of former racehorses, introduced the Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charity Trust RoR Partnership of the Year Award in 2026. The award recognises and celebrates the exceptional bond between former racehorses and their riders or owners, focusing on connection rather than competition.
Gemma suffered a high-level spinal cord injury in 2021, leaving her tetraplegic and paralysed from her shoulders down, bringing an end to her riding career. Optimal Spirit has supported Gemma since her injury, with Gemma considering their time together as her favourite place to be, as he sees beyond her wheelchair, nudging her hands and feet as their special connection continues to shine.
Gemma Potts from Brandon, Durham said:
“I can’t express how much it means to have my bond with Charlie recognised in this way. He is my soulmate, and I am absolutely delighted to win the award, I am overwhelmed with the love and support from everyone who voted for me.”
To mark the occasion, Zara Tindall, RoR Patron, opened the ceremony, highlighting the important work and continued dedication of the RoR community.
Zara Tindall commented:
“This year’s Retraining of Racehorses Awards were a brilliant celebration of everything the charity stands for. The finalists and winners across all the Awards were outstanding – every story is a reminder of what can be achieved with the right support. It is always amazing to see the special bond between horse and rider, and the love, commitment and expertise that goes into helping former racehorses thrive in their second careers.”
Optimal Spirit, now 19-years-old, was bought by Gemma in 2015 after a short racing career. Fondly known as Charlie, he has shown the remarkable versatility of Thoroughbreds by competing in several equine disciplines, most notably eventing where the pair competed up to British Eventing 100 standard until Gemma’s accident in 2021.
David Catlow, Managing Director of RoR, commented:
“The RoR Awards celebrate what former racehorses can go on to achieve, and the people who make those journeys possible. They are a powerful reminder of why aftercare matters, and of our commitment to supporting these horses to thrive in life beyond racing.
“The 2026 RoR Partnership of the Year Award is supported by The Peter O’Sullevan Trust. Their support helps shine a spotlight on former racehorses thriving beyond racing, and demonstrates a real commitment to equine welfare and life-long aftercare.”
To learn more about Gemma and Optimal Spirit’s story, their video can be viewed here
To learn more about RoR, and the RoR Awards, visit www.ror.org.uk. Gemma’s own fundraising page, set up to fund ongoing physical therapy and any specialist equipment Gemma may need, can be found here.
