The Thoroughbred Club – WINNER – Melanie Heygate & Tango

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Congratulations to our 2019 Winner, Northbridge Riding Club Off The Track Thoroughbred Of The Year – TANGO (race name Tangalang) owned by Melanie Heygate.

It was an absolute honour to meet this incredibly passionate woman.

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

Tangalang, then named Pacific Odyssey after his racing career or Tango to his friends is a bay Thoruougbred gelding that finished racing in 2009 after 3 starts for $0 prize money. Tango was sold on to start a career as a show jumper.

Melanie tells her story on how she came to own Tango:

Tango was sold on to start a career as a show jumper after a bit of a very unsuccessful racing career. He was purchased by Australian Olympian Ron Easy and then sold to a young rider in Queensland competing in young rider classes at a 1.30 prior to being sold to me. I have a another OTT now 25 years old and retired from jumping, the most lovable, gorgeous old boy anyone could ask for but when it came down to me wanting to jump bigger fences I decided to keep him on for my husband to learn riding on and look for my next superstar and there was Tango.

Tango was not exactly the horse I was fist looking for, I had imagined a big, chunky warmblood with a thick tail and mane so when my coach introduced me to Tango I was a little disappointed at first to be honest.

Tango was stabled at yandoo equestrian with Jamie Winnjng and Jamie Kermond and I was also trialing one of their horses, a striking big bay warmblood gelding. I hopped onto Tango thinking I’ll just have a quick ride and then move over to the other gelding but not long after jumping on, I couldn’t stop the smile on my face and new this horse was something special.

I changed over horses but didn’t even get to jump the other gelding, I had fallen in love with Tango, the OTT Thoroughbred gelding, with hardly any tail and not looking like the chunky warmblood I had dreamed off.

So it was Tango that was going to be my next Showjumping superstar!

Today I couldn’t have asked for a better horse to move up the grades. Tango has been the best horse anyone could wish for to sit on and gain confidence in the ring jumping bigger heights. He is known for his braveness, nothing will ever stop him!

Today we have achieved more then I could have ever asked for. Our highlights up to today would have to have been:

  • competing several times at the Sydney Royal Easter show;
  • being crowned runner up amateur champions Elysian Fields Aquis Tour Queensland;
  • currently runner up Amateur Champion NSW;
  • Runner up amateur of the year in NSW; and
  • in December last year at the first Thoroughbred Showjumping event at the Sydney Summer Classic supported by the Thoroughbred Association Australia – we won overall Champion Thoroughbred.

Wow, never did I imagine us coming this far but we have.

It’s been beyond easy but all the sweat, money, tears have been worth it and I am so proud how my Tango has shown the Showjumping world out there that it is not the warmblood you have to have to do well in this business.

Tango certainly is one very special OTT but they are out there and with help of a good coach and their guidance anything is possible.

What discipline does Tango now excel:

Showjumping

Personal story about Tango:

Mostly I love Tango for his braveness in the show jumping ring.  He has his quirks at home and is not always the easiest to handle on the ground but he does have a heart of gold. One time at a show at SIEC I got a call from someone walking their dog on the cross country course asking if I own a bay gelding by the name of Tango.  Lucky Tango has a dog tack with his name and my number on his halter at all times. He made his way from the float all the way onto the course happily munching on some grass. Who knows how he got past so many people without being noticed!!!!

Thank you Melanie

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.

Our Trophy takes a special place in Melanie & Nick’s home 

 

The Thoroughbred Club – Bear

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Meet owner Emily Cox and her horse, Bear (race name Bearskin)

Emily & Bear

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

Bearskin was an August 2011 Real Saga Colt out of Devil Inside. Foaled at Glenlogan Park Stud and named after the Bearskin hats worn by the Queens Guards he was always destined for greatness. Purchased for $280,000 at the 2012 Magic Millions Yearling Sales by $116,000 in prize money upon retirement in July 2017. Gollan Racing and syndicate Bear was supposed to be the next big thing. But, luck was never on his side in racing, whether it be the wrong jockey, to soft or to hard a track or just Bear’s typical ‘can’t be bothered’ attitude it was not his destiny. All 17hh of Bear had 3 wins from 18 starts totalling.

Emily’s story on how she came to own Bearskin:

Funnily enough I wasn’t even looking for an OTT, or a Throughbred. I had an advanced dressage WB who I retired from competition and decided my heart lied in the Show Ring. I was looking for something seasoned and after about 6 months was in no luck. Jane Gollan (Gollan Racing) re-homes many OTT from QLD and often, the very pretty ones to friend of mine. When Jane sent them a photo of Bear, she knew he would be a future Hunter Hack, they didn’t want him as they preferred the open horses. Knowing how little success I was having, my friends passed Jane on to me and I took Bear on as a fun project until I found something. It’s turns out Bear has a destiny in the show ring, and boy does he know how to put on a show.

What discipline does Bearskin now excel:

Hacking

Personal story about Bearskin:

The first show I ever took Bear to, one of the biggest shows for young horses was the SHC Newcomer Horse of the Year in July 2018. He had not put a foot wrong all morning riding around the grounds before the class. He wasn’t naughty, just had plenty left in the tank and just as he was finally settling down, relaxing and working as he did at home the announcer comes over the loudspeaker and says “Good Morning Competitors, What a wonderful morning…..” and Bear launches himself 5 metres in front, full gallop and all I could do was get up into two-point and let him burn himself off again. I honestly had my stomach in my chest and said to my coach as he calmed down again, thank god I never had to ride him on the track, I’ve honestly never ridden anything so fast. But, turns out it was for the best as in his first class, at his first outing since the race track, Bear won Champion Newcomer Hunter Hack over 16hh and as they say, the rest is history. (The photo below is of Bear at his first show)

Thank you Emily

We at Thoroughbred Events Australia and The Thoroughbred Club wish you all the success in the world.

The Thoroughbred Club Thursday – BJ

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Meet owner Jerry Ling and her horse, BJ (race name Blakjak Paperback)

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

BJ wasn’t a very successful racehorse despite being out of All American and half brother to the G1 winning filly Yankee Rose. He had 10 unsuccessful race starts and moved through a few different prominent trainers before I bought him the day after his last race for $800 in April 2016. I’ve brought on BJ as an all round performance horse and he is proving to be an awesome dressage and SJ mount!

Here’s a bit more background on BJ – [click here]
Arrowfield did an off the track story on us earlier this year!

Jerry’s story on how she came to own BJ:

“I reached out to as many syndicates and trainers as possible and met BJ before he’d finished racing.  My gut told me he was my horse and I made an offer and have never looked back. I love him and I’ve loved the process of bringing him on! He’s now schooling elementary dressage and makes light work of jumping over 1m.”

What discipline does BJ now excel:

Dressage
Show Jumping
Pleasure
Trail

Personal story about BJ:

He used to be very timid and shy when I first got him and I love that he is now really confident and friendly with people and can give cheek kisses on command!

When I’ve had a bad day at work there’s nothing like his nose wiggling on my cheek and a big cheek

Thank you Jerry.
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 – 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 – Meet OTTB Maxcee

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Meet our off the track thoroughbred for this week – a gorgeous mare named Maxcee who is by Carbonfibre and out of Bismax.

Maxcee was born and trained in Ipswich Qld and was bought by Anita Bridge in 2010 when Maxcee was retired by the breeder/trainer who Anita was riding track work for.

While not the easiest to ride as she is very highly strung, Maxcee took to jumping like a fish to water.  Three months off the track and she was competing at 1.10m. 

Maxcee absolutely loves the water and nothing more invigorating for her than a swim. 

WARNING – You can’t clean her stable with her in it as you be squashed against a wall by and rump demanding for a scratch, a trait she has had all her life. 

A couple of years ago, Maxcee was in need of a good break and was sent to an imported Warmblood stallion called Cera Cassiago in 2016. She became an amazing mum producing a beautiful grey filly. 

Her first competition back after being weaned from her filly, she stepped straight back out at 1.15m jumping clean.

Maxcee now competes under the name of Genuine Princess and Anita plans to compete in her first World Cup qualifier at Caboolture this July/August.

Wishing both Anita and Maxcee a continued fabulous life together. 

 

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

 

 

The Thoroughbred Club – Dydeedoe

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The Thoroughbred Club is so special as we get to share good and rewarding stories.

Today we are sharing another success stories of our beloved racehorse transitioning into a new career.  This story is so close to our heart as The Thoroughbred Club put a Call out to their followers and within 20 minutes we had a hit!!!! Now Dydeedoe is going to live out her days as a nanny.  Here is her success story of her life.

Below are the kind words from Jeannette & Cress Dawson.

It all started in the backyard having a BBQ with friends – “Let’s get a racehorse!”.

James Bester had shares available in a King of Kings yearling filly to be trained by David Payne. It was love at first sight (the filly), and 4 of us went into the world of racehorse ownership. Dydee didn’t quite work out in the city and went to Neil Godbolt in Port Macquarie, where she had a win and placed twice.

The decision was made to try our hand at breeding. We had little money to spend on stallions, but with research and luck Dydeedoe produced 3 winners and 2 place getters including Ajax Stakes Gr 2 winner Havana Rey (King Cugat), trained by Bjorn Baker. Dydeedoe has spent time with Karen Irwin at Riverslea, and for the last 10 years has been with Louise Ellis, Argyle Thoroughbreds, at Panuara. A big thank you to Louise who has looked after Dydeedoe and all her progeny over the years. The last foal from Dydeedoe is a Choisir gelding, who hopefully will hit the track this year.

Dydee’s new career as a nanny will be a fitting retirement for a lovely mare.

The Thoroughbred Club Thursday – Velocity Impact

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What a lucky horse VELOCITY IMPACT is and we can report he is living an amazing life.  A huge thank you goes to Deirdre Stein.

VELOCITY IMPACT was bred on Newhaven Park in NSW (one of Australia’s leading thoroughbred nurseries) and went on to Victoria to race however was not successful and sold to Julia Creek in North Queensland again unsuccessful.  We are not sure from there what happened but was found at Burpengary Sales.  

Sharon Lenton was notified about a horse in Queensland and asked if The Thoroughbred Club could help.  A plea went out to Queensland followers but unfortunately not one cent could be raised. (Note: 3 other horses had been purchased by very kind followers & friends). Sharon decided to buy VELOCITY out of her own funds (and the kindness of a few NSW friends). Then started the journey of coordinating him out and to find his forever home.  Help came his way. 

VELOCITY went for a long spell to recover from his ordeal.  He was retained by Deidre and now is leased to Kate Sedgley – a young girl who loves him and they are making a great partnership here.  He is a lovely natured horse, very quiet to ride and handle.  VELOCITY learns very quickly and has a good safe future in front of him now. 

VELOCITY IMPACT is by STARCRAFT, a chestnut gelding and is now a 6yo. 

Here are photos of him dressed as a bride with a just married banner around his rump and a bridal veil on his fancy dress day – which he WON. He also went over little jumps and was in a barrel race. [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid grid_id=”vc_gid:1531270432795-90410e05-f89d-0″ include=”5808,5809″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]On 12 February 2018, VELOCITY had his first competition – a dressage test.  He behaved superbly, very relaxed about everything, nothing worried him. Kate is so proud of him. The Judge complimented her on his presentation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid grid_id=”vc_gid:1531270432801-96c4d38a-21ef-9″ include=”5806,5805″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Kate is having a great time with him. He is certainly looking fabulous.[/vc_column_text][vc_media_grid grid_id=”vc_gid:1531270501973-5b449fd8-4505-6″ include=”5810″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]VELOCITY is now a very happy, well fed, loved horse with no worries about his future.

This is definitely a WINNING STORY.

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Photos by Deirdre Stein

 

This story goes to prove there is definitely life after racing.  We encourage all race horse owners to secure safe homes for your horse once it leaves a racing table.  There are many disciplines to choose from.  We are always happy to source advice for you.

The Thoroughbred Club (home of the “We Care” campaign) is solely sponsored by Thoroughbred Events Australia (TEA).
All money raised at any TEA event goes to the continual sponsorship to off the track thoroughbreds.  

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The Thoroughbred Club – Off the Track Standardbreds

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Thoroughbred Events Australia sponsor and run The Thoroughbred Club and it is in that capacity Sharon was off to Tamworth Paceway to judge fashions on the field with horse in hand on Sunday 18 March 2018.  All horses were off the track Standardbreds and this event was sponsored by De Lorenzo.

It was great to expand to more off the track horses as they all deserve a worthwhile life after racing or trotting. These horses thrive as a racehorse or trotter and we know that is where the money is. To see these horses take on another career is just so heartwarming.

There are many stories out there on how the horse ended with their new owner and the bond they have developed. These are the stories we all love to hear. Here are a couple of owners and Off the Track Standardbreds you will love as much as we, at TEA do.

Fashions on the Field Horse in lead is a great way for owner and horse to bond together and to show their own unique fashion style.

The brow band is the most popular fashion accessory for the horse and they tend to be quite regal.  The owner and horse match in harmony and this is how the winner is chosen.

The look of the horse and how they present is vital.  This category is quite new and TEA are so proud to be asked to come and judge.  “I love meeting the horses and the owners” Sharon said.  “They are just so proud and the love for the horse always shines through”.

 

The winner was this gorgeous grey stallion Blue Double Dee with Judy Frisby.

Sincere gratitude must go to Standardbred Pleasure & Performance Horse Association (SPPHA NSW) for putting on this great day especially to Amanda Santangelo.

Congratulations to Connor Richardson with his great Off the Track Standardbred.  Connor won the Harness Racing Off the Track Series that was held all over the countryside.  Finals were held on Sunday too at Tamworth.

To understand SPPHA NSW, their main objective is to promote the Standardbred horse in equestrian activities beyond their lives in Harness Racing and find homes for them when they finish their racing careers.

The charter of the SPPHA NSW is to promote the Standardbred as a successful and versatile horse that can excel in many disciplines outside their traditional role of harness racing.

Through an adoption program they endeavour to locate suitable pleasure and performance homes for Standardbred horses retired from or otherwise unsuitable for harness racing.

TEA applauds all the people who work so hard work to ensure these days are successful.  Due to their contribution, we know these events can expand so more off the tracks are homed.