Tiger Thompson heading for new phase of career in US

CHRISTCHURCH: Talented Canterbury pacer Tiger Thompson is to embark on a North American racing career.

Trainer Brad Mowbray confirmed the 5yrold’s owners had accepted an offer from United States buyers.

Tiger Thompson will leave New Zealand early next month as the winner of five races and with stake earnings of over $113,000.

New Zealand racing fans have been well familiarised with both the pacer’s immense talent and wayward tendencies during his 25start career here.

Though he has put Mowbray to the test during his career, the trainer admits it will be a sad day when the talented pacer leaves his stable.

‘‘He has tested our patience and been one of the more characterbuilding horses we have had,’’ he said.

‘‘He has done a huge job for us and he has a great bunch of owners, so it will be a sad day when he goes.’’

In his most recent racing, Tiger Thompson has calmed the wayward tendencies he was known for when he tested himself against the best threeyearolds of his year.

Tiger Thompson’s progression should be credited to Mowbray’s wife, Mel, working extensively with the horse, he said.

The Big Jim gelding raced consistently last season and rose up the racing ranks before scoring his best win in the group 2 Central Otago Cup at Omakau in January.

He then went on to register his group 1 placing behind A G’s White Socks in the Easter Cup at Addington in March. Tiger Thompson’s departure is partly due to progression.

The horse had reached a tricky spot in the handicaps where he was forced to consistently race topline horses that had his measure, Mowbray said.

Tiger Thompson should be able to find a grade that suits in North American and he will be suited to the racing there, Mowbray said.

‘‘I think he will love the repetitiveness of mile racing. He is definitely a routine horse.’’

Tiger Thompson joins another highprofile pacer that left the Mowbray stable to ply her trade on North American shores.

Delishka has produced a 1.51.6 mile time in winning one of only four starts she has had since landing Stateside. — NZ Harness News

❛ He has . . . been

one of the more characterbuilding horses we have had . . . He has done a huge job for us and he has a great bunch of owners, so it will be a sad day when

he goes.