The newly titled Gemma Potts Glamour Stakes, part of The Jockey Club Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) National Championships, will now raise funds for Gemma Potts, who was involved in an equestrian accident in 2021.
Ms Potts, of Crook, underwent emergency spinal surgery at James Cook University Hospital and spent several months in intensive care.
She later spent three years in residential care before returning home.
She now requires ongoing therapy and a 12-week rehabilitation programme at STEPS Rehabilitation Centre in Sheffield, costing £10,500 per week.
Ms Potts said: “Being part of the RoR community has been such a rewarding experience.
“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.”
All proceeds from this year’s event will go towards funding her care.
The Gemma Potts Glamour Stakes is a fancy dress class open to all RoR members and their former racehorses.
The event invites them to dress in their finest attire for the Saturday evening performance.
Last year’s winner was Jenna Foskett from Merseyside, who took the title alongside her retired racehorse, East Harlem.
Ms Potts is also a previous winner of the class.
The RoR National Championships will take place from August 19 to 24 at the Aintree International Equestrian Centre.
It is the UK’s largest competition dedicated to former racehorses, featuring 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 of racehorses and the care they receive.
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.
One of the participating trainers is Michael Dods, who will open his Denton Hall Stables to visitors on Tuesday, August 26.
National Racehorse Week runs from August 23 to 31.
RoR, established in 2000, is dedicated to ensuring the welfare of former racehorses through retraining, rehoming, and promoting second careers.
The charity works to raise awareness of the versatility and potential of ex-racehorses in other equestrian disciplines.
Those wishing to support Gemma Potts’ rehabilitation can donate via her GoFundMe page.
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Further details about the Gemma Potts Glamour Stakes and entry information can be found on the RoR National Championships website.
National Racehorse Week events can be explored at www.nationalracehorseweek.uk.
For sponsorship opportunities, contact Becci Thompson at thompson@ror.org.uk.
