Retirement and a new chapter
At 10 years old, Precedence retired from racing, marking the beginning of a new phase in his life. His farewell race at Sandown (where he was ridden by Michelle Payne) evoked emotions among the staff, particularly Reg Fleming, who had cared for Precedence during his time in Melbourne. The impact that Precedence had on everyone involved was profound.
“I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house, that’s the sort of impact he made on us,” said Cummings.
A transition to a show horse
Fiona McIntyre, a distinguished rider and rehoming expert in Australia, played a pivotal role in Precedence’s transition from the intense and competitive world of horse racing to a new career as a show horse. Remarkably, Precedence quickly adapted to the distinct disciplines required of a show horse, showcasing the qualities necessary for such work.
According to McIntyre, Precedence initially found the transition strange but soon grew accustomed to the daily routine of being a show horse. While he occasionally displays a spirited side and requires monitoring during performances, his overall transformation has been remarkable.
“I know that he can get up on the steel a bit, but that’s a side of him that I just keep an eye on. It’s a little bit like the makeup of himself. He’s going along beautifully one day and putting his heart into it and then the other days is that mood of ‘I want to stay home for the day’ instead of working in the ring,” said McIntyre.
Known for his striking appearance, Precedence never fails to captivate audiences upon entering the show ring. McIntyre shared that at the Sydney Royal Easter Show and Melbourne Royal Show, former members of the Cummings stables specifically attend to see Precedence, emphasising his enduring impact on people’s lives.
“Right through his career, he has made such an impact on so many people and that’s not even including his success on the racecourse,” she said.