It is well known that many trainers and owners have a definite bias against foals from older dams and regardless of the success of Tarpon Hanover that likely will not change.
Tarpon Hanover (New Image Media)
Despite the fact that he was the 13th foal of his dam, Ontario horseman Dave Menary and partners were not put off Tarpon Hanover for whom they ponied up $82,000 to own last November at Harrisburg. After winning the season's first Ontario Sires Stake Gold event last weekend in 1:51.4 making him the quickest juvenile in North America to date, he is starting to look like a great investment.
But at the time there was mild surprise on many fronts including the team at Hanover Shoe Farms who bred the son of Badlands Hanover.
"Here is what I have on my notes," says Murray Brown, public relations manager for the farm and general manager of the Harrisburg sale.
"Measures 15 hands, paces a little on the lead, little bench kneed and wide, strong rear end. I had penciled in $50,000 with a question mark."
Brown has his own theory on the price.
"His mother Tarport Herald was an older mare but had been a solid producer. However, we all know the theory about yearlings from older mares to which I do not adhere to.
"But this colt was from the first Ontario crop of Badlands Hanover which had to help and he was a flashy looker. He was one of those ones who would catch anyone's eye. There was no reason to dislike this horse and the fact that he sold has hip 820 didn't make any difference."
Interestingly, it was also the highest price foal that Tarport Herald ever sold. The farm has a Dragon Again half-brother to offer this fall while Tarport Herald, at the age of 23, has been retired.
Tarpon Hanover is co-owned by Menary, Denis Breton, Bruce Norris and Brad Gray, all of Ontario.
