Retired racehorse Bide Your Time set for second career at the Equimillions New Star

Bide Your Time, known affectionately as Alan around the stables, has retired from racing and will now compete in the Equimillions New Star Dressage after being chosen for sponsorship alongside his rider.

Trained by Danielle Seib during his racing career, Alan was known as much for his personality as his ability on the track.

"His ability to maintain focus and discipline stood out. He was quite a character as a racehorse and loved having a play during his work." Seib said.

Alan's move away from the track was not a surprise to those who knew him best. Seib said his natural athleticism and love of company made her confident he would take to life as a ridden horse, and ultimately as a dressage prospect.

"Alan was always a great mover and a very naturally athletic horse that thoroughly enjoyed the attention of any kind and people's company. He was always happy to have a job to do. This made me very confident that he'd love life as any form of ridden horse, but his looks and action have certainly highlighted that he'll be a great Equimillions New Star contender." Seib said.

Around the stables, Alan built a reputation as a firm favourite, known for his charm as much as his mischief.

"Alan has always been quite the character. He is very handsome and charismatic and enjoys being the centre of attention. He loves smoochies, which are horse treats, grooming, and his secret talent lies in undoing people's shoelaces whilst they are mucking out his stable." Seib said.

Alan is now owned and ridden by Zoe Northedge, who first heard about him through word of mouth in the industry.

"Alan came to our attention through word of mouth, and after a few back and forths with Danielle Seib, we decided to go and get him." Northedge said.

He arrived with a reputation that has proven accurate ever since.

"I cannot speak highly enough of Alan's mindset and work ethic. He is the most laid back character, willing to give everything a go. It's almost like he was never a racehorse, as he has transitioned to dressage like a seasoned professional." Northedge said.

Northedge said Alan's natural movement was clear from the very first time she saw him.

"We are very excited to see Alan compete in the New Star Dressage. The first day we saw him move in the round yard, just the way he moves and carries himself, and that movement is the same under saddle." Northedge said.

Interestingly, Alan was named by Danielle Seib's husband after a character in the film The Hangover, a theme Northedge and her partner have carried through by registering him with Equestrian Australia as A Hangover.

The pairing's next chapter was confirmed with the announcement of the 2026 Equimillions Sponsorships, delivered by the Canberra Racing Club in partnership with Queanbeyan Racecourse.

Zoe Northedge and Bide Your Time were named among the recipients, receiving $500 to assist with transport and stabling costs as part of an Equimillions New Star Thoroughbred Class entry.

The sponsorships also included two $1,100 grants covering nomination and competition fees for paying entrants, awarded to Sammi Quick riding Ten Tigers and Imogen Robertson riding Hav A Nip, along with a further $500 transport and stabling grant to Maya Hleis riding Easy Time.

Organisers said the standard of applicants across the board was strong, with all competitors wished well ahead of the event.

True to his namesake, Alan has kept life interesting since arriving at his new home.

"Alan has proved, on an almost daily basis, that he cannot be relied upon to make good choices in the wash bay or tie ups. Hoses, taps with levers, rugs, ropes: basically the world is Alan's playground." Northedge said.

She recalled one particular incident involving a tree in his paddock.

"He snapped the tree in half. We know it was Alan because he left his shredded rug attached to the broken tree like a calling card." Northedge said.

Despite the mischief, Alan has become a firm favourite at his agistment property, with his charm quickly winning out.

"This larrikin side of Alan has quickly made him a firm favourite at Spring Creek Park Agistment. Anything the larrikin Alan does is quickly forgiven because he is so amazing to be around and to ride." Northedge said.