R.I.P Fighting Tiger

Perth Turf Talk | Thu 10 May, 2012

Less than 24 hours after the news of Vo Rogue's sad demise another of WA racing's true champion, the fighting tiger Northerly died on Wednesday night from complications arising from a bout of colic.

The 15-year-old was euthanased in his paddock late last night to end his suffering.

Trained by the legendary Fred Kersley, Northerly had his first eight starts in WA, winning five, before he made his first trip to the eastern seaboard to contest Group II Carlyon Cup (1600m) at Caulfield in February 2001.

The horse announced his arrival in Melbourne with a 3-3/4 length win and two starts later he won the Group I Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington.

Northerly returned in the spring of 2001 and, after two WA runs, he went back to Melbourne and recorded Group I wins in the Underwood Stakes (1800m), Caulfield Stakes (2000m) and Cox Plate (2000m).

Following his initial Cox Plate victory he returned home and finished down the track in theRailway Stakes before being spelled.

The following autumn, Northerly only had three starts, winning the Group I CF Orr Stakes (1400m) before finishing second to fellow sandgroper Old Comrade in the Australian Cup of 2002.

The 2002 spring campaign was when Northerly proved he was more than a good horse. After wins in the Underwood Stakes and the Group II [now Group I] Turnbull Stakes (2000m), Northerly lumped 58kg to victory in the Caulfield Cup (2400m).

He followed that historic win up 14 days later with his second Cox Plate win.

The following autumn carnival saw Northerly win his final Group I when cruising to a four-length victory in the Australian Cup of 2003.

Northerly won 19 of his 37 starts, earning his connections more than $9.3 million. In 2003 he was crowned the Australian racing Horse of the Year. Then in 2010 the Northerly’s deeds were recognised by his induction into the Australian racing Hall of Fame.

Northerly was by Serheed (USA) from North Bell (Bellewater (FR)).