Tiger takes to retirement

Tiger takes to retirement

Go Racing alumni Taipa Tiger has hit the jackpot in his post-racing South Island home with 22 year-old Ebony Turner.

A son of Thorn Park, Taipa Tiger retired in 2016 with a record of four wins and 19 placings. The Lisa Latta-trained gelding was purchased by Go Racing as a yearling from Windsor Park Stud’s 2011 New Zealand Bloodstock draft.

‘Tiger’ now lives in Riverton with Ebony Turner, who works for trainer Kelvin Tyler, and runs a rehoming programme called Elite Equine.

“Tiger was a leading reason behind Elite Equine as he really made me fall in love with thoroughbreds and I want the best for these incredible athletes when their racing careers end,” Ebony said.

“Tiger was my first off the track thoroughbred and was very green to the sport horse world, as was I,” she said.

Initially taken on as an eventing prospect, Tiger lacked confidence in the show jumping phase though showed a strong aptitude for the cross country.

“Tiger has incredible scope and talent but lacks a bit of motivation! He loves hacking out and is safe as houses. He loves a good blat down the beach.”

Tiger also gets to revisit his racing days when Ebony takes him to the track on occasion to build his fitness and for a bit of fun. He has even been learning some tricks and how to be ridden bareback and bitless.

“I love Tiger to bits,” Ebony said. “I’m so pleased I found him and really cannot see life without him.

“He has a fantastic personality. I like to think he loves me as much as I do him but I think he might love the fact that food comes from me.”

Ebony plans to get regular lessons to see if they can progress their eventing and continue to enjoy riding Tiger on the beach and on hacks around the farm.

Go Racing director Albert Bosma is thrilled with another great ‘retirement’ outcome.

“He was always such a character and gave us such enjoyment both on and off the race track. I’m so pleased he’s found the perfect home with Ebony. Our horses are part of our family and we love keeping in touch with them.”

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