In light of the celebration of thoroughbreds encompassed by June’s #LoveTheHorse month, OTI is proud to share our second instalment of equine welfare updates. With nearly twenty horses now a part of our equine welfare program, we continue to remain invested in ensuring the life-long welfare of the thoroughbred.
With the support of many industry participants, including the ongoing co-operation of new owners, we hope you enjoying hearing of some recent success stories!
HIGH BRIDGE
High Bridge has settled in brilliantly to his new home at Kristen & Simon Lenehan’s property in Garvoc.
In his short time under their care, the European-bred gelding has already made a lasting impression on the Lenehan’s, with Kristen sharing that ‘he is getting treated like a king by our 13-year-old daughter Charlotte and she is incredibly happy to have him here.’ She added that the 9-year-old is thriving during his rehabilitation program however ‘finds strolling around the farm far more interesting than around the walker!’
FASTNET TEMPEST
A Group 3 winner on the track, Fastnet Tempest is now relishing life post-racing under the care of Jessi Smith at Freshwater Creek.
Upon his arrival at Jessi’s property, the son of Fastnet Rock was welcomed with a big brush before tucking into his breakfast. Well renowned for his gentle nature during his time in racing, Fastnet Tempest has since fitted in seamlessly to his new home, with Jessi describing the gelding as ‘big, kind and soft’ and is already ‘showing great patience when asked.’ Jessi remains eager to get on-board the gelding, however shared that ‘she may need the assistance of a ladder!’
INSTANT DE REVE
Commencing his racing career at the Chantilly stables of boutique trainer Corine Barande Barbe, before later relocating to the care of Chris Waller down under, Instant de Reve has now begun life post-racing at Craig Hawes’ Goulburn property.
Craig is currently giving the French-born chestnut some well deserved rest in the paddock but hopes that he will be able to entertain some low-level dressage with the 7-year-old in the near future.
MASTER ZEPHYR
An OTI stable favourite, Master Zephyr has recently commenced his new role as a weaning & agistment partner on Luke Stapleton’s Shelbourne farm.
True to his kind and easy-going nature, ‘Zeph’ has already shown ‘the best attitude’ for Luke with ‘nothing seeming to bother him.’ Aside from his newfound responsibilities as a weaning and agistment partner, the dual country cup winner has been great in teaching Luke’s children how to ride.
TOM MELBOURNE
Social media phenomenon Tom Melbourne has recently established himself as a member of the prestigious Living Legends program.
Renowned for his uncanny knack of seconds over his fruitful racing career, Tom has developed a cult following within the racing community and is now enjoying his retirement alongside former stablemate, Who Shot Thebarman.
A number of horses formerly under the management of OTI continue to race on under new ownership. They include:
– Achaeus
– Fairlight
– Fioretical
– Hutchinson
– Instigator
– Mighty Quinn
– Miss Carboni
– Plymouth Road
– Sollevare
– Urban Lumberjack
Campbell Wansbrough
Equine Welfare Co-ordinator