As Covid 19 sweeps across the globe, we remain extremely grateful for the exceptional care that our retired thoroughbreds continue to receive.
As a part of our commitment to equine welfare, we document the lives of all of our past racehorses. Although we are still in the first year of our program, we are delighted that the response to our welfare network has been so strong. It is indicative of the racing industry’s dedication to the care of our horses.
TRISTANO
A three-time winner on the track, Tristano is thriving in his new environment at the Vengeance Performance Horses complex under the care of Jess Schneider. Tristano has continued to impress Jess as he has progressed effortlessly through their highly regarded ‘Off The Track’ re-education program. With his graduation from their re-training program imminent, he will soon find himself in another new home as he continues his second career post racing.
CONDAMINE
From his debut on the Wolverhampton synthetic in 2016, to his dominant victory at Terang less than a year later, 7-year-old gelding Condamine now finds himself enjoying a lovely home at re-trainer Michelle Grixti’s property in Paradise. The son of Duke of Marmalade has done ‘super well’ during his re-education process according to Michelle, and she will now permanently keep him as a part of her eventing team. “Condamine is such a willing horse and a beautiful ride, I am most excited for the coming times with him.” Michelle said.
ACHAEUS
Now under the care of Geoff & Susie Wells in Sale, Achaeus has ‘settled in very well at his new home and is eating flat out.’ He continues to make great progress in overcoming his feet issues, with Geoff particularly impressed with the muscle that Achaeus is beginning to gain at his back end. All going well, the Wells combination hope to have the German bred gelding back up and running by spring. We are delighted that Achaeus has been afforded the opportunity to continue his racing career under their great care!
ROMANESQUE
The big boy ‘Romanesque’ has fitted in seamlessly to Kelly Dubberley’s property in Ballarat, who also held ownership in the gelding during his racing days. Taken back by the horse’s most gentle ‘cat like’ temperament, Kelly shared that the son of Montjeu ‘is loving life in his day paddock and retreats to his stable and feed bin at night.’ Kelly has already begun winter preparations for the 7-year-old, with extra rugs ordered in advance to prepare for the ‘Irish’ like winter sure to be felt in Ballarat.
HIGH BRIDGE
After an injury prematurely ended his career in March, we are now beginning the search for a suitable home for High Bridge. The 9-year-old possesses a lovely nature and with previous experience over fences in the United Kingdom as well as undertaking regular schooling in Australia has future potential in the equestrian arena once successfully rehabilitated and re-trained.
At OTI, equine welfare poses a very important topic and we look forward to providing more success stories like these as we continue to follow the lives of all our past thoroughbreds in the future!
Campbell Wansbrough
OTI’s Welfare Co-ordinator
