Promising Tirana progressing

Press, 19 June 1984, Page 27

Promising Tirana progressing

By ALEX McMILLAN The talented three-year-old, Tirana, the winner of two of his three race starts to date, is making pleasing progress towards a fresh campaign, according to his Balcairn part-owner and trainer, John Parsons. The Balios-Dusty Vai colt underwent a successful bone chip operation on a foreleg late last year and has been given light work since May by Parsons, with the intention of having him ready for racing by September. “We had the leg X-rayed last week and the veterinary surgeon is quite happy, although he feels it is still only 80 per cent right. He should be okay by the spring,’’ said Parsons.

Unraced at two, Tirana made a successful start to his career with an impressive victory over 1200 m at Oamaru on August 29, beat-

ing the capable sprinter, Sea Poppy. His second start was in the John Grigg Stakes at Ashburton on September 6 when he filled the runner-up position behind the New Zealand Two Thousand Guineas winner, Gaffa, beating home such useful gallopers at Donizetti, Pronto King, General Beaufort, and Hill’s Peak. Another stylish win at Orari later that month stamped Tirana as a youngster with tremendous potential, but after a trial in October he was found to have suffered an injury which required an operation and a lengthy spell. Raced in partnership by Parsons and Mrs Suzanne

Scholes, Tirana earned $3895 from his two wins and one placing and his re-appear-ance in the spring is awaited with much interest.