Leading stud Alabar Farms – a long-time supporter of standardbreds in their lives outside racing – contacted Harness Racing Victoria’s HERO Program with a very special proposition.
The stud had just withdrawn a stallion from service and was keen to explore retirement opportunities for the 11-year-old.
Under normal circumstances HERO would be unable to help in line with its strict “no colts or stallions” policy.
However, given Alabar’s ongoing commitment to pleasure standardbreds and an assurance the horse had the temperament and attitude to make a successful transition from stud to saddle, an exception was made.
And so The Tiz A Masterpiece Project was born.
Tiz A Masterpiece was bred and raced exclusively in the United States, winning five of 17 starts as a pacer and $224,209 in a single season at age three before suffering a tendon injury.
He was spelling at Kentuckiana Farms when Alabar representatives John Coffey and Graeme Henley visited in May 2009.
“We took a liking to him on his appearance and, being a son of Western Hanover from an Artsplace mare, we took the punt with him,” John Coffey said, adding Tasmanian breeders Lyndon and Gail Menegan were also involved with the purchase.
“Unfortunately he never got swept off his feet with mares, despite his handsome looks, and although he left some handy winners, he was no longer a viable commercial stallion.”
At the time of retirement, Tiz A Masterpiece’s stud record officially stood at 20 winners of $411,647 in prizemoney from 138 foals.
HERO met Tiz A Masterpiece at Alabar’s Echuca stud on June 13 to undertake an initial temperament and body assessment.
The 11-year-old was gelded four weeks prior and had recovered exceptionally well from the surgery, which went without incident.
“Tiz is a very friendly, inquisitive horse who seems to genuinely enjoy human company,” HERO Manager Tanya McDermott said.
“He was a little impatient on the ground but showed no concerning behaviours – indeed his manners were very good. For a horse coming directly out of stallion service he really was quite impeccable.
“Taking into account that he is unrugged and in paddock condition he looked particularly well and his movement was gorgeous.”
HERO sponsor Erin White of Erin’s Equine Services undertook a complete body assessment, using Acugraph technology together with Bioscan red and infrared therapy.
The assessment showed Tiz was in very good condition with no obvious external signs of racing or stud injuries.
It did, however, highlight some common internal imbalances, which will be addressed as his journey from stud to saddle starts.
“This is a really exciting project,” McDermott said. “It’s our hope that Tiz will adapt successfully to a riding career and in the long term will become a fantastic advertisement for the standardbred’s temperament and versatility.
“He is a stunning horse and it would be fantastic to see him out in the show and/or competition arena, flying the HERO flag proudly.”
For all the latest on the Tiz A Masterpiece Project follow HRV HERO on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, or log on to the HERO Program’s newly launched website www.hrvhero.com.au.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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