RETIRED racehorse Tarawera enjoyed being put through his paces by triequithon participant Seumas Marwood at Coolart Farm, Tuerong, on Wednesday.
The 11-year-old racer was formerly trained by Fran Houlahan and Brian Johnston at Mornington Racecourse until they retired last month. His wins included the Australian and Crisp steeplechases.
Now in retirement, Tarawera has transitioned as an equestrian eventer, which combines dressage, cross country and show jumping. His next race is in Racing Victoria’s Off the Track Triequithon, Caulfield, Saturday 27 August.
The event aims to “shine a light on life after racing” for older racehorses, and gives aspiring and well-heeled riders the chance to compete for a $15,000 prize pool.
Marwood, of Pakenham, regularly brings Tarawera to Coolart Farm to brush up on his jumping skills under the watchful eye of former Olympic show jumper and property owner Jamie Coman.
Coman is considered one of the country’s top show jumping coaches who has a long association with Off the Track thoroughbreds.
First published in the Western Port News – 23 August 2016
