The three recruits preparing for a day on the beat
What do Mossdale Allan, The Guardsman and Otaktay all have in common? If you look at their respective racing careers you would think very little. Mossdale Allan and The Guardsman both were foaled and began their careers in New Zealand but their respective racing achievements can best be described as modest. Mossdale Allan with 36 starts for 4 wins and The Guardsman, 71 starts, 8 wins, were both honest performers without being track superstars.
Otaktay, or Tango, on the other hand showed enormous promise winning 6 of 9 starts across an interrupted career spanning two and a half years. Trained by Emma Stewart and raced by partner Clayton Tonkin, the potential star in the making finally had his injuries catch up with him and was retired from racing.
So what is it that brings these three horses together?
The trio has made its way to the Mounted Division of the Victorian Police, dividing their time between stables in South Melbourne and a farm at Attwood.
The Guardsman (aka Tom) has tried his hand at a few roles since being retired. He was initially retrained to saddle by Melissa Blair at Tramel Park before being donated by Standardbreds Australia Unharnessed to Rainbow Riders, a not for profit group working with under privileged children. From there he made his way to Geelong RDA before being identified as a suitable candidate for law enforcement duties. Although quite small in stature for a Police horse, Tom makes up for this with a willing work ethic and is thriving in this new challenge.
Mossdale Allan (aka Bob), was retired from racing and made his way to Nicole Tassone at Raising the Standards (RTS). Nicole was always confident that he would be suitable for the Mounted Police and he was re-trained to saddle with this special career in mind. He has made the transition with a minimum of fuss and has taken all challenges in his stride.
Tango is likewise an RTS graduate and was accepted as a Police trainee at his second attempt. Time, maturity and personalised training to his specific needs has seen him develop into a promising Police recruit.
Tom, with Senior Constable Bec Ross, Tango with Senior Constable Emma Sharp and Bob, with Leading Senior Constable Monika Kusnierz all perform the full gambit of duties required in their new role. From regular patrols to crowd control, Team Standie can be seen plying its trade.
All three riders commented on how willing their respective charges have been to learn and take on new challenges. The transition to Police horse is a long one, and many candidates do not have the temperament to cope with the distractions that are served up on a daily basis.
The Victoria Police are more than happy to consider more Standardbreds in the future but in the interim if you happen to spot Tom, Bob or Tango be sure to stop and say hello.
