All Eyes On ‘Side Glance’ As Racehorse Visits Signature at Ascot

Residents and team members at Signature of Ascot enjoyed a unique experience when a former international racehorse visited the home.

Affectionately known as “Sidey”, the stunning black gelding made 40 career starts and won more than £1.7m in prize money racing all over the world. During his afternoon visit to the home, residents had the exclusive opportunity to meet and greet Side Glance, who enjoyed free reign of the home’s garden whilst the avid gardeners in the crowd looked on nervously about the state of their cherished lawn.

The afternoon was both interactive and informative, with the accompanying racehorse team providing a captivating talk covering Side Glance’s illustrious journey—from his days as a foal, through his rigorous training, the pinnacle of his racing career, to his well-earned retirement. Touch-and-feel opportunities provided an added layer of connection, with residents and team members enjoying an intimate experience with the beautiful and majestic animal.

The special visit was part of National Racehorse Week, which runs from 9th to 17th September. The annual celebration sees racing training yards, stud farms and aftercare centres up and down the country open their doors so that the public can see first-hand the love, care and attention that racehorses receive during their career and in retirement.

Sidey retired in 2015 following a leg injury, with his then owners, Qatar Racing, kindly gifting him to Leanne White, his long supporting Head Groom. His racing career and exploits in retirement are charted in an Ascot Racecourse video.

Raina Jordan, General Manager, Signature at Ascot, said: “We’re thrilled about this collaboration with Ascot Racecourse. Many of our residents have a deep-rooted affinity with horses, and some even have family members who are intricately linked to the equestrian world. The visit rekindled fond memories and reignited passionate conversations amongst the many residents who are horse racing fans.”

Margaret Finnieston, a resident at Signature at Ascot, added: “Meeting ‘Sidey’ was a truly wonderful and unique experience. I’ve always had a love for horses so seeing such an accomplished racehorse up close brought back many cherished memories. It was a day filled with joy, nostalgia, and newfound knowledge about all the dedication and hard work that goes into caring for these magnificent animals.”