After a lifelong admiration of racehorses, fifth-generation vigneron Simon Tolley decided to use his large Adelaide Hills property to re-home retired racehorse, Gytrash.
The Simon Tolley Wine property, which features a stunning Cellar Door and luxury accommodation, which attracts local & interstate visitors who come for a taste, take a vineyard tour or simply enjoy a glass of wine overlooking the Cellar Door Block vineyard.
Now the property is expanding its repertoire, with Simon embarking on a new venture with Thorough Care SA’s program. The program is designed to provide support and welfare to thoroughbred horses before, during and after their racing careers.
Simon’s involvement in this project started when he met with the owners of Gytrash, a beautiful retired thoroughbred racehorse. After hearing that all the owners truly wanted, was to give their horse a relaxing place to enjoy his retirement, whilst still being able to visit him, he was motivated to join the program.
“I’ve always been an admirer of racehorses and when this opportunity was discussed, I liked the concept,” explained Simon.
“So now, we’re thrilled to home Gytrash, who’s stable name is Lewis, at our Cellar Door on a spare paddock next to the vineyard,” Simon explained.
Joining the ‘Life After Racing’ was a no-brainer for Simon who realised there was a dire need for more to be done to protect and care for the wellbeing of these animals and to give them the life they deserve after racing.
Thorough Care SA is designed to care for these horses from the moment they are born and registered to when leaving the track for the last time.
By monitoring processes such as Chair Race Meetings, Integrity Management, Betting Services, Investigations and Stewards’ Operations, the program can ensure the protection of these animals.
By homing Gytrash, Simon has used the empty paddocks of this cellar door to not only care for Gytrash but to also support the ‘Life After Racing’ program. Those visiting the cellar door can also support the program, by visiting Gytrash and showering him with love. Giving the horse human interaction, and engagement is an important part of their life after racing.
While Simon Tolley isn’t offering rides on Gytrash to the public, currently around 65% of thoroughbreds who are retired still participate in pleasure riding activities, which is beneficial to keeping horses who have led busy lives, healthy and stimulated.
As a major sponsor for this year’s Oakbank Races, Simon has shown his commitment to all things racing and to maintaining safe and responsible practices of these events throughout SA.
The picturesque Simon Tolley Cellar Door is open Thursday to Monday from 11am to 5pm, and Simon encourages everyone to come and visit if they would like an up-close experience with Gytrash.
For more information on Simon Tolley’s adventure with Gytrash, click here.
Simon Tolley Wines: 278 Bird in Hand Rd, Woodside SA 5244.
Opening Hours: Thursday to Monday from 11 am to 5 pm.
To view all the great work Thorough Care SA is doing, click here.
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