Unbelievable, the nine year old son of Washington VC is making only his second start on race day, more than five years after his debut at Addington.
He was then trained (July 24, 2020) by Ken Barron. Now he is under the care of Jason and Ian Thomas.
The past few years have had their challenges.
“At one point he broke a pastern and had to be put in the box for a while,” says Jason Thomas.
That was well before he arrived at their Charing Cross stables in Canterbury.
“We had him for about eight or nine months.”
Not that he wasn’t exactly in great shape when he arrived.
“He was a big boy!” laughs Thomas, “we had him on ration for a while with plenty of dry hay.”
Over the months they gradually got him into shape.
“We’ve gotten him to the point where he’s as good as we can get him and we hope to keep him healthy.”
Initially, Typhoon Tere was expected to resume in Motukarara on December 29.
“But he got a virus, so we took him out,” Thomas said.
They then looked around for a suitable grass track meeting and chose Blenheim.
“We didn’t think we could take it to Addington after a five-year break, where they would run a distance of 97 to 58 miles,” says Thomas, “we have to take our time.”
In December, Typhoon Tere clearly showed he still has some ability, winning at the Ashburton trials when coming from behind subsequent Nelson winner Shanky’s Shot.
“He went really well that day,” Thomas says.
Today he will take part in Race 3, the Event Rent Marlborough Mobile Pace (3.17 pm).
Based on his trial form, he opened a $2.70 favorite.
The gelding’s owner, Lance Proffit, and his “new” trainers will do everything they can to see their patience and hard work rewarded.
For full race entries, click here.
Through Dave Di Sommafor Harness News Desk
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