Inter Dominion winner’s progeny ‘naturals’

A COMBINATION of speed and stamina made Tiger Tara one of the most popular pacers in recent years.

Able to sustain long sprints on his way to record times, Tiger Tara’s prowess carried him to glory in seven Group Ones, including the Holy Grail of harness racing – the Inter Dominion.

He also captured the time honoured A G Hunter Cup and the Victoria Cup, with his credits including Grand Circuit Champion and Australian Horse of the Year.

Overall Tiger Tara registered 37 wins and 40 placings for a bankroll of $2,375,065 and a best time of 1:49.8.

Based on reports of Tiger Tara’s first venture as a sire, he is destined to pass his winning qualities on to his progeny.

While Tiger Tara was still racing trainer and co-owner Kevin Pizzuto also put him to work as a stallion, with the multi-millionaire serving a handful of mares.

Results of those early matings are now rising two-year-olds, including three being educated by Victorian horseman Jason Hackett.

With two fillies and a colt in his care Hackett has become a huge fan of Tiger Tara as a sire.

“It was hard not to be a fan of him as a racehorse when he was thrashing them in races like the Inter Dominion, but now I’m a fan of him as a stallion too,” Hackett said.

“I’ve got three of his progeny here and they are perfect to do anything with.

“They’re certainly intelligent and are picking it all up with ease. I’ve got no doubt they will make it as two-year-olds.”

Interestingly, one of the fillies is a squaregaiter despite her pacing bloodline.

“Kevin said he had a gut feeling she would be a trotter as he never saw her pace once in the paddock,” Hackett said.

“I’m not sure where she gets it from, but she is a natural in the gait.

“Nothing seems to phase her, she trots cleanly and hasn’t shown any sign of putting a hoof wrong.”