Tempest Tost With Connections

Trainer Gary White had mixed feelings following his gutsy mare's retirement, but was ultimately proud that she had reached such great heights and taken him - and many of the Scruples Lodge faithful - with her.

"She was an amazing horse to train, so courageous," said White.

"He two runs in Queensland were both highlights that I will never forget."

Whilst her final two races were far from her best White is adamant that she was in career best condition and form.

"Her work was outstanding, her condition perfect and Darren was thrilled with her first up run."

"But she knew that her knee wasn't getting any better and when the heat went on she protected herself and wouldn't stretch out," White added.

With connections very aware of her knee issues since injuring the joint at her first ever Victorian start it was always a case of managing her short career wisely, and White did just that.

Travelling to Queensland Tempest Tost beat a crack field in the Magic Millions Three-Year-Old Classic, including the Epsom winner Rock Kingdom - despite missing the start by 4 lengths and having to work to the front from the widest gate.

"Her run that day was unbelievable, everything was against her and she prevailed," White said.

The Group 1 Winter Stakes was the other high point of the small grey's career once again crossing from a wide-alley against two of the highest rated mares in the world, only to be run down in the shadows of the post for a bold fourth.

"The Winter Stakes was only the second time we had peaked her and she proved she was of the highest class."

"Unfortunately she never got the easy run and I shudder to think how good she may have been this time in had she been sound," White added.

By Statue Of Liberty, and out of timeless mare Lady Violet, Tempest Tost has already turned the page and started her new life as a broodmare, being served by the Coolmore stallion Fastnet Rock.

Fastnet Rock, one of the premier second-season-sires currently sits ninth on the overall sires table with his progeny having earned over $1,400,000 this season including star three-year-old filly Irish Lights win in the Thousand Guineas.

White observed that Tempest Tost was by no means an out and out sprinter suggesting she always gave him the impression she would relish the mile.

"She relaxed so well in her work and in races, when given a chance, that I am sure her best would've been over a mile" said White.

The striking grey finishes as a black type winning mare having won 4 times from 13 starts for a total prizemoney of over $700,000.