Champion Stayer Tornado Tears Retired

CHAMPION Tornado Tears has run his last race leaving behind a wonderful career littered with many memories for trainer Robert Britton.

CHAMPION stayer Tornado Tears, more affectionally known in racing circles as ‘Batman', has run his last race.

Trainer Robert Britton said this today of the wonderful son of Fernando Bale and Tears Siam which has handed connections countless racetrack memories throughout his illustrious career.

“He's hurt a wrist which will need a month off and that will mean he will need two months to get back to the track,” said Britton.

“Time is running out for him so it's time.”

Tornado Tears turns five on February 8.

“I have already found a home for him as a pet,” said Robbie. “He is just a beautiful dog and will make such a loving pet.

“Penne and Jason Ireland have taken him home and he already has settled into life on their couch. Jason handles dogs for me when we race at Sandown.”

Tornado Tears retires after a career of 69 starts for 35 wins and 14 placings earning $1,003,000 in stakes.

He set track records at Albion Park (twice), Cannington and Wentworth Park, won the Sandown Cup, Albion Park Gold Cup, National Distance, Zoom Top and Topgun Stayers all at Group 1 level.

He also won another six group finals during a career where he was easily the dominant stayer of his time.

Britton rates him as the equal for ability with his other champion stayer Space Star (a litter brother to Tornado Tears' dam Tears Siam).

High praise indeed considering Britton trained champion stayer Fanta Bale as well.

“Space Star and Tornado Tears were so similar … I can't really split them,” said Robbie.

Tornado Tears was bred by Michael Ivers.

He was a staying powerhouse winning at Wentworth Park, Richmond, Sandown, Albion Park, The Meadows, Cannington.

He contested 23 group finals, 13 of them group 1s.

Only three runs back he won the Group 1 Topgun Stayers beating his full brother (from another litter) Here's Tears.

“He was such a tough dog and a genuine stayer,” said Robbie. “At the end of his staying races, there was no doubt he could have gone another lap.

“He is going into a lovely retirement, and into a lovely home.

“It's what he deserves. Now I have to find one good enough to replace him.”

 

 

 

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