Race Images Palmerston North
Trainer Gary Hennessy has his sights set on another stakes winner in his Matamata team.
With the retirement of triple Group Two winner Ocean Emperor, Hennessy’s focus is now on promising young horses, though it is one of the older stagers, Temple Tiger, whom he hopes will give him his next black-type success.
The seven-year-old Temple Tiger is being set for the Listed Opunake Cup (1400m) at New Plymouth next month after recovering from a setback since his fourth at Rotorua last month.
‘’He’s had a bad hoof abscess, but he’s come right,’’ Hennessy said. ‘’He’ll run at Tauranga (on June 22) then go for the Opunake Cup. He’s very genuine and handles most going.’’
Temple Tiger is a son of Tiger Prawn and has won six times and been placed on a further 19 occasions from 41 starts.
Youngsters in Hennessy’s ownership include an Ocean Park half-brother to Brutal, winner of the Gr.1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) at Randwick in April.
“He’ll be two next season and I’m excited about him,’’ Hennessy said. “I’ve also got a brother to Ocean Ruler, who I sent over to Paul Jenkins on the Sunshine Coast and he won first-up at Ipswich.’’