From Group One winner to King of the cows

LIFE after racing continues to be exciting for former star Wolf Stride.

Rated among the best pacers in the nation at his peak, Wolf Stride notched 19 wins and 13 placings from 46 starts, including three Group Ones.

Sadly injury cut the gelding's time on the track short after he finished third at Club Menangle on January 28, 2023.

"He damaged his suspensory so badly that night he had to be instantly retired," trainer Jack Trainor said. "The fact he did it during the run and managed to finish third is testament to his determination.

"The vet reported the injury was as worse as it gets to the point he is lucky to still be walking around."
Upon hearing the news of Wolf Stride's retirement, trainer Kim Procter made the bold move of contacting owner Emilio Rosati with a proposal.

"I got a call out of the blue asking what I planned on doing with Wolf Stride," Emilio said. "He had to remain boxed up at the vet's for at least six weeks and after that the only priority was to find him a good home.

"When I was asked if Kim could give him that home, I didn't hesitate to say 'yes' as I knew she had a love for him purely as a horse and would treat him like a family member.

"After he was given the 'all clear' from the vet, I sent him down to Kim, but made the transport driver go past my place first so I could say goodbye to him."

Given the required 12 months to recover, Wolf Stride was sent to Hilltop Horsemanship to be broken-in under saddle by Elle Moro.

"He was so easy to do anything with...he was a natural," Moro said. "He's a very intelligent horse and wonderful to work with.

"In fact, he quickly became my favourite while he was here and I looked forward to spending time with him and riding him around the property.

"Along with being a good looking horse, there is something about his personality...he has a presence about him and I can see why Kim loves him so much.

"As soon as I saw Kim in the saddle on his back, I could see the glow in her face and knew she was meant to own him."

Fast forward to last weekend and Wolf Stride was once again the leader of the pack, this time rounding up cattle with Procter in the saddle.

Returning to Moro's Shepparton property, it was the first time Procter and Wolf Stride had undertaken the adventure, with the son Rock N Roll Heaven as usual proving to be a natural.

"I was pretty nervous, but Wolfie just took to it straight away," Procter said. "Both Elle and her partner Ben noted Wolfie's ears pricked up and how keen he was chasing the cows.

"Along with the cows, he went over a few small hurdles and just thrived on being active and the new experience.

"Rounding up cattle with him is something I would never have thought of, but it just goes to show how many different activities and avenues there are for horses to enjoy after they finish racing."