Victoria Racing Club (VRC) Ambassador Emma Booth will depart for Tokyo next week alongside her equine partner Mogelvangs Zidane, ahead of the 2020 Paralympic Games.
She is one of just four para-equestrians selected to represent Australia in Tokyo.
The pair will quarantine in Sydney for ten days before they travel to Japan, with competition set to begin on Thursday 26 August.
Emma said she’s delighted to be departing Australia for the elite competition, after a pandemic-affected preparation.
“It’s a little surreal that it is finally happening after the Games were delayed last year, and I’m just so excited to have this opportunity to compete on the world stage once again,” Ms Booth said.
Emma and her horse Mogelvangs Zidane have a strong chance of winning a medal for Australia after finishing fifth place in the mixed dressage individual championship at their Paralympic debut in Rio in 2016.
Emma was selected for the 2016 games after only three years competing in para-dressage, following a serious car accident that curtailed her career in equestrian eventing.
Prior to the accident Emma competed on thoroughbreds extensively and has since recruited Off The Track thoroughbred Pakaya Prince to her team of para-dressage horses.
“What I love best about Pakaya Prince is how relaxed he is and how hard he tries to please the rider – you really get the sense that we work together as a team, and I think that generosity is pretty typical of the thoroughbred.
“I hope my partnership with the VRC encourages other riders to consider Off The Track thoroughbreds, they really are exceptionally versatile and the perfect partner across a range of equestrian disciplines.”
VRC Chief Executive Officer Steve Rosich said the Club and the whole racing community was looking forward to cheering Emma and Mogelvangs Zidane on in Tokyo.
“The Club wishes Emma and Mogelvangs Zidane all the very best as they take on the world in Tokyo,” Mr Rosich said.
“Emma’s a fantastic role model for anyone aspiring to realise their dreams, no matter the setbacks.
“Her passion for Off The Track thoroughbreds sends a strong message to the community of just how highly the thoroughbred is regarded by Australia’s leading equestrian riders.”
