A RACEHORSE saved from a knackery by its trainer who thought he had safely placed the Thoroughbred in a performance home was among the competitors at the Friends of Werribee Park horse trials at the weekend.

Mornington Peninsula-based trainer Wez Hunter retired Platinum Ruler from racing after a leg injury and re-homed the gelding after he had recovered with someone who promised he would be used as a performance horse.

The horse was to be returned if he did not work out, but six weeks’ later Mr Hunter found out he had been sold to a meat buyer.

Mr Hunter’s sister, Rebecca Hunter, said her brother was devastated.

“We rehomed this guy to what we believed was a good home, only to find that six weeks later he had gone through the sales and was at the knackery,” she said.

“He’s a lovely horse with a great nature and so easy to do anything with so we’re not sure how he ended up going through the sales.

“Wez drove the three hours to Maffra the next day and paid for the horse out of his own pocket to bring him back home.

“We then spent the next few weeks rugging and feeding him as he’d lost a considerable amount of weight since leaving us. We were really upset. He was supposed to come back home to us if he was unsuitable.”

Ms Hunter said they had now found the horse a “fabulous home” with event rider Leah Rodwell.

“Leah has got him out competing and doing well in just a few months,” Ms Hunter said.

Platinum Ruler was entered in the 80cm class at the weekend. He finished all phases but did not place.

(Leah Rodwell riding OTT Platinum Ruler - Picture by Tazzie Eggins)