There are partnerships that work, and then there are partnerships like Penelope Lancaster and AP Ninja. It’s not just talent or training that binds them—it’s joy, trust, and a unspoken understanding that seems to grow stronger every time they step into the ring.

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AP Ninja, a striking thoroughbred with the blood of champions running through his veins—AP Ruler and Secretariat—has never raced a day in his life. But his pedigree shines through every time he sets foot in the Jumping arena. “He’s so smart. He can get himself out of any tricky situation,” Penny says. “His stamina is unbelievable. He just never runs out of energy.”

Before his time with Penny, Ninja had already made his mark. Campaigned in New Zealand by Emily Hayward, he built an outstanding record that included 13 World Cup starts between 2017 and 2018, with standout performances such as 2nd at Dannevirke, 3rd at Feilding, and multiple top-ten finishes in some of the country’s biggest events. He also placed 5th at Gisborne and 2nd at Taupo in CSI1* classes. After Emily, he went on to compete with Georgia Bouzaid, who took him up to 1.50m and continued his strong form. Georgia brought Ninja to Australia in 2022, and when it came time for him to find his next rider, she reached out to Jamie Winning, who connected with Penny’s coach, Eva Rasmussen. From there, a new partnership was born with an immediate connection.

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Penny remembers that first ride like it was yesterday. “We really clicked immediately. He’s a funny horse—Jamie told Eva, ‘He’s not everyone’s ride, and that’s totally fine.’ But from the minute I sat on him I loved him, he was just so much fun.”

Up to Ninja entering her life, Penny had never jumped more than a metre and says, “He’s taken me from jumping 1.00m to placing in 1.35m Young Riders. And we’ve just started placing at 1.40m. It’s pretty awesome.” Penny’s coach, Eva, has made sure that this combination took the progression at a steady pace and Penny shared her appreciation for that approach.

Their crowning moment so far came at the 2024 Thoroughbred Nationals puissance, where Penny and Ninja cleared 1.75m to set a new Australian Thoroughbred record, sharing the honour with Emily Patterson and Libertarian. “That was probably the most amazing thing that’s ever happened to me,” Penny says, beaming. “I was so scared going into it, but he was just awesome. He took everything in his stride.”

Above: Penelope Lancaster & AP Ninja with Emily Patterson & Libertarian.

It’s not just Ninja’s ability that impresses Penny—it’s his brain. “His mind works so incredibly fast. He’s always on the job. And even after a long competition, he’ll hop on the spot all the way back to the truck. He could just go forever.”

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And yet, for all that sharpness, there’s a playful softness on the ground. “He’s very cheeky,” she laughs. “He’ll go for a scratch and try to nip you—but in a sweet way. He just wants to be friends with everyone.”

Penny is proud to ride a horse with such legendary bloodlines and believes it shines through in more ways than just energy and scope. “When he acts up, I think about the amazing horses that came before him. It’s a privilege to ride him. Just knowing Secretariat is in his pedigree—it’s incredible.”

But more than anything, she sees AP Ninja as proof that thoroughbreds still belong at the top of the sport. “I think thoroughbreds have an integral place in competition. They’re so nimble and clever. Ninja is like a cat—he’s so fast on his feet, especially in a jump-off.”

Now 18, Ninja shows no signs of slowing down. “We’re being mindful of how much he jumps,” Penny says, “but honestly, he’s just getting better and better. He’s the gift that keeps on giving. I think he’ll tell us when he’s ready to slow down, but I don’t think that’ll be soon.”

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Looking ahead, Penny has a clear vision—more 1.40m starts, hopefully stepping into Mini Prix. And when the time does come for Ninja to retire, she knows where her heart lies. “After having such a bond with Ninja, I’d love to retrain off-the-track thoroughbreds. I’d really like that to be my first project—taking one from the track and going up the ranks with them.”

It’s a future that’s been shaped not only by a once-in-a-lifetime horse, but by the people who supported the journey.

“I want to thank my coach, Eva Rasmussen. She’s coached me since I was eight, and she’s helped me so much with Ninja. And of course, Georgia Bouzaid and Jamie Winning, for trusting me with him. Georgia still comes up at every competition and we just fawn over him together.”

And perhaps most importantly, Penny says: “My parents. For all the hours of driving, all the years of Pony Club, and just never giving up. I couldn’t have done it without them.”

There’s no doubt that AP Ninja has left his mark on the sport, but maybe his greatest legacy will be the young rider he helped shape—the one who sees what’s possible when you believe in a thoroughbred.

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