One of the sport’s greatest warriors Tiggerlong Tonk has been retired.
It comes after a minor injury out of last Thursday’s Shootout where he was runner-up to Aston Rupee.
“He’ll need a month off which means he’ll miss the Melbourne Cup – either way it was going to be his swan song,” said trainer Correy Grenfell.
Tiggerlong Tonk has been a force at the highest level for two years. From a 21-month-old pup competing in the G1 Hobart Thousand to on the verge of turning 4-years-old and challenging Aston Rupee in a Topgun and Shootout.
For the Grenfell family Tonk arrived at a time where the transition was seamless from the heights set by their star sprinter Orson Allen.
“He’s been a life changer. We’re lucky to have one with his ability let alone compete at his peak for so long against the country’s best greyhounds. We’re very thankful that his owner Michael Finn gave us the opportunity to train him.”
Tonk has been a staple of greyhound racing’s major events and rightfully generated a strong following. He won 42 of his 94 starts with a further 35 placings and $766,440 in prize money to show for it.
He competed in an amazing 24 Group finals with half of those at Group 1 level.
His biggest wins came in the G1 Harrison-Dawson, G1 Perth Cup, G2 Horsham Cup, G3 Shootout, G3 Easter Gift and Listed Western Districts Derby.
He also won seven of the 13 city class Free-For-Alls he competed in and finished outside of the placings just twice.
Not only was it his class in the sport’s majors but also his ability to set fast times anywhere he went.
He broke 29.20 at Sandown Park six times which only the great Fernando Bale has equalled – click here to relive the pair breaking the barrier.
Tiggerlong Tonk now transitions to stud life and already has straws available. His service fee is $2200, contact Correy Grenfell for more information – 0423 043 235
Earlier today it was announced that Tommy Shelby will return to racing in this Friday’s heats of the TAB Melbourne Cup.
