Biometric (Bio)
OTT Update by Tiana Morden
Tiana’s mum Debbie Morden with Biometric.
Last year I was fortunate to complete a two-week placement at Lindsay Park, Euroa, as part of my Veterinary Science studies. I was truly impressed by the care, professionalism, and warmth of the entire team. The level of attention each horse received was remarkable, and it showed in how relaxed and well-mannered they were.
Towards the end of my placement, I mentioned to Day Shift Supervisor Chloe Shine that we were on the lookout for our next Off the Track (OTT) project for my mum. Incredibly, that very same day, I was introduced to the charming Biometric. He was the first to the gate to greet me, and I was instantly taken by his gleaming jet-black coat and gentle, intelligent eyes.
The moment he truly won our hearts was the day we picked him up. As soon as we entered his yard, he came straight over for cuddles, resting his head gently in Mum’s arms. From that moment on, we knew he was something special.
He was certainly something very special on the track with 30 starts in Australia for Lindsay Park including 2 wins, 2 seconds and 7 thirds, earning approximately AUD $511,481in total prizemoney. His overall record including the UK is 5 wins from 37 starts, with a total of10 placings. In 2019, Biometric delivered a standout performance by winning the Britannia Stakes (1609m, ~£120,000 prize) at Royal Ascot and upon arriving in Australia via the 2019 Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training he won a 1400m Winter Championship Series heat at Caulfield. He achieved his first stakes placing with a third in the Winter Championship Final (Listed). That was followed by another third placing in the Listed Mowbray Stakes (1600m) in Tasmania.
After wrapping up his successful racing career, Biometric—or Bio as he’s affectionately known—took his time adjusting to the slower pace of life. Like many athletes, he needed a proper wind-down, and unfortunately, he also battled a few persistent hoof abscesses along the way. Thanks to the incredible care of the Bendigo Equine Hospital and the skilled hands (and hoof rasp!) of barefoot farrier Erika Quinn, Bio is now sound, comfortable and strutting around barefoot like he was born for it.
These days, Bio’s life revolves around the finer things—grazing, getting scratches, and convincing everyone he meets that carrots are a food group. He’s attended a few Adult Riding Club rallies, where he took everything in his stride—walking over tarps and poles, tackling bridges like a pro, and learning (eventually) that the dressage arena is for riding, not rolling.
Eighteen months on, he's truly part of the family, and we’re excited for what lies ahead in his second career. He may no longer be chasing finish lines, but he’s certainly winning hearts wherever he goes.
As the weather warms up, we're slowly bringing him back into work after his well-deserved winter spell. The plan is to start attending more rallies and clinics with a view to stepping into the show ring in the coming year.
