Dual Group 1 winner brings 'ray of sunshine' to patients at York hospice

Retired dual Group 1 winner Goldream brought an early touch of star quality to York ahead of the Ebor festival after he paid a visit to the patients at St Leonard's Hospice.

The 2015 King's Stand winner, known as Remy to those closest to him, serves as York racecourse's equine ambassador and greeted patients of the charity, which provides care to those suffering terminal or life-limiting illnesses.

Patients and their families were taken by staff to the entrance of the hospice to meet the top-level sprinter, who also landed the Prix de l'Abbaye as a six-year-old.

Goldream was retired in 2018 by trainer Robert Cowell and went on to the British Racing School before joining New Beginnings, a racehorse rehoming and retraining charity.

Now aged 13, he took up the mantle as York's equine ambassador this year and was joined by Poppy the pony to provide an uplifting experience for the hospice patients.

"If we made one person smile that would have been enough but Remy and Poppy bought lots of smiles to lots of faces today, " New Beginnings founders Kevin and Pam Atkinson said.

"After being an outstanding athlete on the racecourse it's a very touching experience to now see Remy being so quiet, gentle, and caring with people, particularly with those who are in pain physically or mentally. The positive impact he had was clear and it has been a very special and memorable morning."

Josephine, with her daughter Holly and husband, get to know GoldreamCredit: Jeremy Phillips

Remy ran nine times at York, including twice in the Group 1 Nunthrope Stakes, which takes place this year on August 19.

York chief executive William Derby said: "I know from personal experience the positive effect that can be gained from people spending time with horses and it was a privilege to see the impact of Remy on everyone from the St Leonard's community.

"With our flagship Ebor festival just two weeks away we wanted to support the work of our local hospice by providing some comfort to patients and their families who are going through an exceedingly difficult time.

"Remy and Poppy both brought a much-needed ray of sunshine to the patients and team at St Leonard's and we are grateful to them and the New Beginnings team and everyone at the hospice who helped make this important visit happen."

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