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The Thoroughbred Club – Tiger

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Meet owner Tahlia Hurley and her horse, Tiger (race Easy Tiger)

Here is a brief overview of  Tiger’s race history:

Easy Tiger was born on the 17/09/2010 in New Zealand. He was bred out of St Reims and Zeparty girl. Tigers background consists mostly of American breed thoroughbreds but also traces of Irish, France, Australian and New Zealand. In 2012 at the Festival sale Tiger was sold to Phill Cataldo Bloodstock for $6000. He was trained at Peters Stables Ltd and went to his first race on the 10th September 2013. He completed his last race on the 22nd May 2014 with only winning $875 prize money in his whole career. He was then sent over to Australia to be rehomed.

Tahlia’s  story on how she came to own Tiger:

I got my first thoroughbred/ first horse when I was 17 right in the middle of my HSC. After having a thoroughbred on free lease during year 12 I fell in love with the bred and wanted a thoroughbred to continue eventing despite the reputation they have been given about being hot and hard to train to be supple due to there natural body build. I got Kuda and he was super quiet. He was a black 10 year old up the central coast and I fell in love with him the moment I cantered him. However the day I went to pick him up I was jumping him and he really jumped over a little oxer and I fell off. I looked at my mum and said “At least I have something to work on”. He was my first horse so taking him out was super exciting. He was very natural at dressage and he scored consistently high 60% to low 70%. Unfortunately he wasn’t going to make it to my 1* goal as he wasn’t always super consistent jumping and I needed that at the time. I went looking at horses and wanted a warmblood cross thoroughbred but when I tried Tiger I loved his spring in his step, his lightness off the ground and LOVED the jump. I missed my distance going into a 1.30m jump and he just sorted himself out and carried on I knew he was my big eventing chance. I loved him and mum surprised me with him about a week later.

What discipline does Tiger now excel:

Dressage
Show Jumping
Eventing

Personal story about Tiger:

I love my boys both so very much. I cant say i even have a favourite as they have very different personalities. Kuda is a snugly bug he loves having a cuddle and closing his eyes as you stroke his head. He will let anyone do it. He loves attention and he knows he is loved and adored. Tiger is harder to please you have to earn his trust. I was finishing up a ride one day and i was giving him a big hug because he was so good and i had finished and was about to get off him. I was lying down on his neck a second too long and he pulled his neck down to reach the grass and like a little kid does, i slipped down his neck over his head and ended up underneath him. He looked at me with this mysterious look as if he had no idea how i had magically gotten there.

Thank you Tahlia

We at Thoroughbred Events Australia and The Thoroughbred Club wish you all the success in the world.
Because of you we know our beloved race horses are being cared for.

The Thoroughbred Club – RUNNER UP – Tsu & Madison Turnham

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Congratulations to our 2019 Runner-Up Winner, Northbridge Riding Club Off The Track Thoroughbred Of The Year – TSU (race name Pacific Tsunami) owned by Madison Turnham.

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Here is a brief overview of – name – race history:

Tsu was definitely a slow runner! Doing a handful of maiden races as a 3 yo. By Gerry Harvey’s best stallion (Conatus) and out of Marauding Wave. Tsu didn’t have such a big impact and was not what they were expecting:

Warwick Farm – 10th of Feb 2009 – 4th out of 6 – trial
Warwick Farm  – 27 Feb 2009 – 10th out of 10 – trial
Wyong – 26 Mar 2009 – 11th of 12
Newcastle – 7 Mar 2009 – 11th of 14

After these starts he was deemed too slow and retired.

Madison’s story on how she came to own Tsu:

I was searching for my 2nd horse. A horse to help me find my footing into jumping bigger classes (1m +) and we saw his ad. He had already sold but the sale fell trough and we got him! He was going to teach me heaps, and he has – but not in the way people would think!

What discipline does Tsu now excel:

Show Jumping

Personal story about Tsu:

I love Tsu’s personality the most. He truly loves people so much and craves their space in a non pushy manner.  He will always have a chat without a doubt with nickering if you start talking to him.

After last year’s issues (life threatening colic, sudden cancer surgery and paddock accidents causing some severe trauma related injuries) he still thoroughly enjoys the company of humans and wants to hang out with you.

I am in awe of his determination.  The speed at which is recovered to get back to work was truly amazing.

Even after all these problems he also took me around my first 1.05 (at Sydney CDI – was a toughie) without consistent work for a month due to me now being in hospital.

Tsu thrives knowing he is performed well. He just gives it his all.
He does get bored very easily and will always be fiddling with something.  But that is just who he is and I am so in love with.

Tsu has taught me more about ground work, show jumping, horse care and responsibility than anything else in this last year.

Thank you Madison and Tsu.

We at Thoroughbred Events Australia and The Thoroughbred Club congratulate you on the success of your OTTB and wish you all the success in the world.  We love that you are caring for our beloved race horse.

The Thoroughbred Club – Meet OTTB Doc Oliver

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Doc Oliver is a great story of a 21 year old horse who is still going strong.

Anita Bridge got him in 2008 when he was rising 11 – obviously not straight off the track but we do know he racked up 17 starts in his racing career with two 3rds.

When Doc arrived, no reputation was known but it was not long before his naughty ways were relayed and a few stories started coming out that he used to dump his rider at the first fence, bolt around the course and stand outside the arena and rear.

However he took Anita through her juniors, young riders then from D Grade to A/B Grade pony club in 18 months. A couple of years ago he jumped 1.50m in a puissance.

Over the years Doc has had a few major injuries including a bowed tendon and joint infection. But nothing would hold him back – he always bounces back better then ever.

No matter how old he gets he still has all of his quirks especially his love for playing with his ball.

Doc doesn’t like water and has been eliminated when there was a small puddle on the landing side of a fence because he would have to get his hoof wet!!!! But he loves the hose and going to the beach.

He will still go to a show and decide that he doesn’t like a particular ride, a ride that he would have seen many times before. Anything then around that ride needs to be stopped at or run away from.

Doc amuses Anita with his “thing” about hats.  He just loves to pull them off your head and run off with them.

But best of all these days is Doc excels as a lead pony with the young ones around home.

Young off the track filly

This is one much loved  quirky thoroughbred.

The Thoroughbred Club – Filly Improves Owners’ Lives

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After working for nearly a decade in the Australian racing industry, Jasmine Jenkins made the decision to swap stable life for office life when a job opportunity arose offering her more money.  Less than six months passed by and Jazz found herself missing her furry four legged friends and began exploring alternative ways to entertain her racehorse obsession.  

Throughout the previous years, Jazz had always found herself pondering the idea of being a part owner of a racehorse, however, due to finances had never taken the idea further.  Now a little older and a little wiser, Jazz sat in a better financial position and owning a racehorse was becoming a more realistic idea.  

Being an avid punter at the weekends, Jazz had a handful of trainers in her mind whom she followed closely and was quick to tap their names into her trusty friend ‘Google’ in order to discover what horses and options were available.  After quickly finding that the majority of the horses her favourite trainers had available were out of her price range, Jazz decided to look for others.  Things weren’t looking too positive, until one evening an old friend that Jazz had on Facebook, Brooke Somers is Somerstone Thoroughbreds posted a status including photos of a 2 year old filly and a 2 year old colt that she had shares available in.

OLYMPIC GLORY (IRE) X CLASS SUCCESS

Despite Russell (Jazz’s partner) being reluctant to open his wallet, Jazz managed to convince him to go and just have a look around Brooke’s stable which is based in Hawkesbury.  The visit was followed up with lunch where Jazz and Russell discussed their options.  It was at this exact moment where Russell realised that the amount both himself and Jazz were spending weekly on cigarettes combined was more than their weekly fee if they were to buy a share in this little filly, whom was nicknamed Nellie.  So without further ado, it was to be agreed that if they were to take on a share of sweet Nellie, they were to quit smoking.

Nellie, Russell & Jazz

Fast forward roughly 3 months and the challenge to quit smoking is well and truly under way.  With the help of nicotine patches, Jazz has cut down to just two cigarettes a day and admits she is already beginning to feel the benefits of doing so.  

Just last week Nellie, who was given the race name of Enchanted Glory, had her first ever race start in the MAGIC MILLIONS WYONG 2YO CLASSIC over 1100 metres and despite the race not quite going to plan, all the owners were proud of her efforts.

Nellie & her stable mate at track work in Hawkesbury

Reflecting on the past few months, Jazz can’t believe how a little 2 year old filly by Irish stallion Olympic Glory has given her the strength and motivation to change her life for the better.  

 

Nellie & Jazz catching up over a bite to eat

 

Words by Kiersten Duke

The Thoroughbred Club – Speron D’Oro and his Royal Adelaide showing success!

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On the 9th May 2007 a handsome bay Thoroughbred colt was born out of an Australian mare named COPA DE ORO and sired by champion stallion FLYING SPUR.  The colt was appropriately named SPERON D’ORO, which translates in Italian to ‘golden spur’.  

In 2009, SPERON D’ORO was sold as a yearling for a healthy $180,000 at the famous Inglis NSW Australian Easter Yearling Sales.  He was to be owned by Mr Scott Adams and his loving wife, Mrs Sue Adams who chose to put him into training at Hawkesbury with Gary Frazer who their son, Josh Adams, was apprentice to at the time.  It was during his time in training that the handsome bay picked up the nickname ‘Oreo’ as SPERON D’ORO proved to be too much of a mouthful when the lads and lasses started work at the stables at 4am!

As intended, Oreo and Josh teamed up at the races but unfortunately Oreo was too slow and retired at the age of 3 having only earned $1700 in prize money.  Despite not being particularly fast, Oreo was a beautiful mover with a handsome face which made the decision to choose his second career an easy one, as Sue and Scott both agreed he would make a wonderful show horse.

Due to Josh often being away at the races, his partner Jess Castle was the lucky recipient of Oreo to look after once Sue and Scott had re trained him for the show ring.  

Jess admits Oreo is a quirky horse, not at all naughty or nasty, but the type of horse you have to understand to work with.  The more their bond grew, the easier Jess was finding Oreo to re train as she soon found him a fastlearner.

Reflecting on when she was first introduced to Oreo, Jess beams “He has amazingly good looks and a real attitude about him that just completely draws your attention to him. He has an exquisite head and beautiful big eyes. He’s an excellent bodied horse and is well proportioned with lovely straight legs and flowing strides. He’s just a show horse through and through!”


Both Jess and Josh had always dreamed of competing at the Royal Adelaide Show due to its relaxed atmosphere and country show vibe.  It’s competitor friendly feelencouraged them to enter six different classes over course the week, with their hopes not necessarily being to win, but to have the hours of hard work and training pay off, with Oreo working accurately and consistently in each individual class.  

On the day, Oreo was a dream and didn’t put a foot wrong.  “He truly tried his heart out for me” Jess gushes and the results speak for themselves…

NOVICE HACK 15.2hh- 16hh:  2nd place
OPEN HACK 15.2hh- 16hh:  3rd place
LADIES HACK:  6th place

LADY RIDER YEARS 21-30: 2nd place
OPEN HACK SHOWING TB QUALITIES:  Top 10
HEAVY WEIGHT OPEN HACK: 1st place
RACEHORSE TO SHOW HORSE:  Top 5
FASHIONS OFF THE TRACK:  3rd place

The results they achieved were more than both Jess and Josh could have dreamt of and their pride and love for Oreo couldn’t be greater as he exceeded all expectations.

Looking ahead, Jess has set goals to qualify Oreo for the Grand Nationals in Sydney which is held in March and to win the Pope Cup at the Sydney Royal Easter Show which is for open hack geldings showing exceptional Thoroughbred qualities.  Outside of NSW, Jess looks to Melbourne where she would love to compete at the Garryowen Royal Melbourne Show.

It’s clear when speaking to the whole Adams family, including Jess, that Oreo is much more than an athlete to them, he’s also a family pet whom they all cherish and love so very dearly.  

We can’t congratulate them enough on their achievements and look forward to following them and their future success.

 

Words by Kiersten Duke

 

 

How The Thoroughbred Club Was Born

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It was an absolute delight discussing The Thoroughbred Club with Hannah Brooks.  Hannah is a very talented woman.  A writer by trade but her passion for equestrian is contagious and we surely do get over excited together.

We actually videoed this a while back but it was great to put it together and reminisce on how it all began and why.

The Thoroughbred Club is successfully only due to the generosity and passion of so many people who love thoroughbreds.  But it has now become more than the thoroughbred – it now includes the people who are involved – whether receiving an award, donating a prize, sponsoring a horse, or sponsoring The Thoroughbred Club in their continued work – it is your enthusiasm and love that continually excites me.

All I ask is that you continue to support in any capacity you can – and I mean that – no matter how small or large.  If you can attend an event – fabulous; if you can donate – you are a gem, if you can come and support a polo game/ a race day/a show jumping day – it means you are helping and we are all making a difference.

Soon I will have products for you to purchase with 100% of the profits going to The Thoroughbred Club.  This too will also allow us to continue our amazing sponsorship program at more events.

I feel that our sponsorship program will take priority as we continue to spread the word on who we are.

I know we can do this.  We can all make a difference.  And it is because WE CARE!!!!!

For any assistance, contact Sharon Lenton at events@thoroughbredeventsaus.com.au or at contacts on
Thoroughbred Events Australia website.

Progress Report – Kings Landing

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This is the BEST and most rewarding part about The Thoroughbred Club and I am so delighted to be writing this story.

Kings Landing was a horse dropped at Echuca Sales and brought to The Thoroughbred Club’s attention as an ex race horse.  His breeding was Magnus out of Wings of Courage.  As a 7 year old gelding, he had 7 starts for 1 win.

The Thoroughbred Club were grateful that Kylie Stephenson notified us and we were able to raise money and give him a new much loved life in the loving care of Anna Robertson.

Here is our first meeting with King.  He is certainly our “King” and I personally would love to thank everyone involved who donated the funds for us to give King a new life after racing.

I hope you enjoy this video as much as I loved preparing this.  My heart certainly beats and my eyes always swell when I watch this again and again.  It really shows that we can make a difference.  We made a huge difference to King’s life and now he resides in beautiful green pastures in Scone.

Please WATCH this video as I introduce our KING to you – King’s Landing.

Our heart felt thank you goes to Barbara Wenman, Lee Kerin of Watagan Grange, Caroline Foote of Head to HOOF, Helen Schofield and to Hannah Brooks a driving force behind me.

Of course we cannot thank Anna Robertson enough for her kindness.

 

 

Northside Riding Club – Xmas Party

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It was a great privilege to be invited to the Northside Riding Club‘s Xmas party and to be part of their awards.  The Thoroughbred Club sponsored 3 Special Achievement Awards to 3 outstanding Off the Track Thoroughbreds.  So many amazing stories were written so it was difficult to pick 3.  But the winners were:

  1. Sherryn McPherson with Smokey
  2. Isabel Roach with Kresten
  3. Aimee Ferraro with Atticus

I will get these 3 stories up in due course.

The day was such a great day for all the family including our beloved 4 legged.

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I just loved being able to bring my precious – Zac – for a great, fun day.  He had a ball playing with the other dogs and watching all the action. Poor thing, he was totally worn out when he got home and took himself straight to bed the minute we walked in the door.IMG_0396.JPG

The best way to describe Northside Riding Club is small Club with a HUGE heart.

It is with sincere admiration that I would like to congratulate Amelia Anne Curic on her new appointment as President of Northside Riding Club.  Amelia is such a wonderful woman and so dedicated.  The Club is certainly in very capable hands.

In conclusion, The Thoroughbred Club very much look forward to further involvement in 2017 with Northside Riding Club.

WATCH … parts of Northside Riding Club Xmas Party

 

 

 

Count Encosta – Updated – October

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While out at DPR Breaking it was an absolute pleasure to see Count Encosta.

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He is doing well.  While still a long way to go for a full recovery, he is happy and enjoying his life.

Each horse person has their own way on what is best for the horse and I was impressed on the knowledge his new owner has and the planned progress that Count is set on.  There is no hard work or riding.  Count really needs to have a full recovery and is happy being a horse and running around his paddock.

I love the fact that wherever you go, Count heads over to check you out.  He loves a good scratch and all the attention.  He is unfazed by dogs playing around his feet and seems to take the whole world in his stride.

 

Introducing DPR Breaking – Daniel Robinson

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I had the pleasure of being invited out to visit DPR Breaking located at Orchard Hills.  Firstly to visit Count Encosta (which I will share under a different post) and secondly, to meet Daniel Robinson an amazing young man who has built his business building a bond with each and every horse he has the pleasure of educating.

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Since moving to Australia, Daniel has had the opportunities to work for trainers such as David Hayes, John Thompson (Patinack Farm) and Sydney premiership winner Chris Waller.

Dan is all about striving to create the best environment and experience for any horse that comes into his care, from problem horses to the young and inexperienced.

The world is at Dan’s feet and with a stable full of outstanding bred horses, it is easy to see why the top trainers trust Dan with their newly purchased yearlings or in some case, those a little troubled to get to understand them – never to break their spirit.

I came away in awe and filled with love for the thoroughbred knowing they are all in good hands and enjoying their life.

Dan joins our line up of outstanding people achieving outstanding results in the thoroughbred industry and unites with us in our “We Care” campaign.

Daniel Robinson