The Joint Head of the 2014 World Thoroughbred Rankings (Sprint), Terravista has
been a special horse to many people including his breeder Mike Ryan and his
owners, who include Reggie Blundell.Terravista was foaled and raised at Torryburn Stud back when it was managed by Reggie Blundell, who fell in love with Terravista as a foal.
A big awkward baby with a huge head, he was an immediate favourite with Blundell and when Mike Ryan decided to syndicate the colt among friends as a yearling it was not a hard decision for her to purchase a share.
"I had some money put away that I had in mind to spend on a horse and I just had a gut feeling about him so I took 5%," Blundell said.
"He won his first start and not long after another 5% share became available and it was offered to me and after much consideration and discussion with my husband (Beau) I bought that as well, but at his very next start he fractured his pelvis… I just felt sick! I can't tell you how disappointing it was."
Fast forward and after a successful rehab at Torryburn under the care of Blundell, Terravista returned to work and never looked back.
By modest New Zealand based sire Captain Rio (GB) from legendary blue hen Parfore, Terravista won 11 races and $2.6 million with highlight wins in the Group I VRC Darley Classic and Lightning Stakes as well as five further Group I placings.
Unplaced at his last start at Scone on May 9, Terravista booked his ticket to retirement and a life of well-deserved leisure with Reggie and Beau and their children Dougal and Piper at Paringa Stud in the lower Hunter Valley.
"Terry was my 'once in a lifetime horse' and will become a riding horse for the family, a nanny for our young horses and just be loved and spoilt until the end of his days," said Reggie Blundell.
"Joe Pride and his team did an amazing job with this horse and on behalf of all the owners, we can't thank them enough for the care and attention they gave our horse during his racing career which delivered so many memories and much joy to us all."
Terravista - image Grant Courtney
