PUTTING retired racehorses 'out to grass' once their racing days are over may soon be a thing of the past, thanks to the determined efforts of organisers of the Three Counties Show.

Judy Proger is chief horse steward for the event which takes place in Malvern next month.

Mrs Proger revealed there would be two new classes specifically for former racehorses, designed to support a new initiative to promote their re-training for riding.

"Re-training racehorses to enable them to have a useful life after racing gives them a second chance," said Mrs Proger.

"We are delighted to promote the initiative at the show which is designed to highlight the welfare issues of ex- racehorses by demonstrating that they have wonderful potential for a second career as eventers, hunters and dressage horses, as well as hacks. They may have stopped racing as young as five years old.

"The only criteria for entry into the classes is that they must have been registered with Wetherbys and in training at some stage. Some of these horses might not even have been deemed good enough to race and cast out at a very early age.

"As a horse lover, I am passionate about these horses, especially their welfare. I hope our new classes will highlight the issues for everyone to see. Eventually I would like to see a string of classes like these across at major shows across the country."

One class will be judged as a showing class, assessed on the basis of conformation, manners and way of going. The second class will incorporate six or eight fences and will be judged on conformation, movement, manners and jumping ability.

Both classes - which form a busy equestrian programme over the three day event - will be judged on Sunday, June 19, by Nigel Wakley of Malvern, and John Chugg of Tewkesbury.

After placing, all competitors will take part in a parade in the main ring where commentator Alistair Down will talk about the many welfare issues surrounding the process of re-homing.

Conversation Pieces is kindly presenting the champion with a limited edition print of Best Mate at the Cheltenham Festival in 2002 - signed by trainer Henrietta Knight, ex-National Hunt jockey Terry Biddlecombe, jockey Jim Culotty and owner Jim Lewis.

"We are very pleased to be able to include these new classes for 2005 and we look forward to a large entry," said Mrs Proger. "We have also added a Supreme Ridden Hunter Championship and Supreme Ridden Pony Championship."

Heavy Horse enthusiasts will be pleased to see that there is a brand new Heavy Horse Village, with three in-hand classes for all breeds, and Heavy Horse Obstacle Driving.

"The Three Counties Showground made great strides in extending its equestrian facilities in 2004 and I have had many favourable comments," added Mrs. Proger.

"The programme has been enlarged this year.

"I hope to bring all the national championship shows back to Malvern."