Fade to Black

This week we bid farewell to stable favourite and grand campaigner Tahitian Black, retiring after 58 race starts from 3 July 2010 at Mooney Valley to 23 April 2016 at Rosehill.

‘Blackie’ wasn’t afforded the best of runs on Saturday and was found to be tender on pulling up, injuring his tendon in the sporadic ground which spells the end of his tenacious career.

At eight the gelding defied his age to race competitively in metropolitan grade contests, demonstrating a freshness in his stride that saw him hit the board and bank plenty of cheques.

His fighting spirit kept him in esteemed company, contesting stakes grade even in the twilight of his career and covering plenty of miles in races from the sunny Gold Coast to Melbourne’s green circuits.

A fabulous representative for the stable and welcome constant across the seasons, Blackie won or placed 17 times since his arrival from Lee Freedman’s yard in March 2012, including a brilliant third to Target in Sight and Deep Field in the Group 3 Maurice McCarten Stakes.

He was also the victor in a memorable stable quinella at Randwick with Inside Job in January last year.

His final prize money standing of $399,956 is testament to his courage and incredible versatility; $322,180 of his total coming under the care of Team Pfieffer.

By champion sire Lonhro from the Night Shift (USA) mare Perle, Tahitian Black was bred by Woodlands Stud and carries the famous running W and crown brand made famous by his sire.

He is a half brother to the Group 3 Newcastle Newmarket winner Falaise, and multiple city winning talents Koichi and Keshi, all trained by Peter Snowden for Darley.

As with all Woodlands, and now Darley -bred horses, Tahitian Black was cleverly named by stud secretary Susanne Philcox.

The Tahitian Pearl, also known as the Black Pearl, is formed from the black lip oyster and primarily found around the islands of French Polynesia.

Once the rarest and most valuable cultured pearls in the world, they continue to be one of the most sought after pieces of jewellery and sacred pieces of Polynesian heritage.

Blackie will be sorely missed by his faithful strappers and particularly so by stable foreman Sue who formed a close friendship with the charismatic bay.

True to his name, this classy galloper was a prized gem of endearing talent and gentle character. His journey will continue to serve as a highlight of David’s career; treasured by all.