Diminutive Fairfield harness racing pacer, Sumatran Tiger was recently retired and will begin his new life at Riding for the Disabled.
A local favourite, proudly raced and lovingly cared for by Prizzy and Glenn Pearce along with Glenn's father Allan Brennan, 'Tiger' as he was affectionately known was an institution at Fairfield Showgrounds where he was stabled.
Royally bred by harness racing's Fitzpatrick family and Graham Ross, Tiger did a considerable amount of public relations for harness racing by obligingly posing for photos with children and visitors to the markets, festivals and outdoor events held at Fairfield.
Fairfield Harness Racing's general manager, Ross Scherf, has named a race in Tiger's honour at the club's upcoming February race meeting.
Although no champion, Tiger was a magnificent little horse who raced consistently and competitively over many seasons. The little bloke's most memorable performance was coming from last with a lap to go for a runaway win at Penrith.
Sumatran Tiger was thus named to raise awareness of the plight of the endangered Sumatran Tiger where only several hundred remain in the wild.
In more than sixty years involvement in harness racing, Fairfield trainer Allan Brennan has never seen a horse with Tiger's temperament, charm and disposition.
"He just loves people, particularly children and is so agreeable it's unbelievable", Allan said.
Sumatran Tiger is truly a special horse, now giving disabled riders at the Nepean centre as much joy as he gave his Fairfield connections and many followers.
Greg Hayes