7 year old Sir Lincoln gelding Liberal Arden has been retired from racing in Australia and is off to be a pony club horse in the Tamar Valley in Tasmania. It is heartwarming to hear that he has been such a beautiful horse to do anything with that he can start a new life with a young person just learning. According to one of his current owners Blair Fidler he loves his cuddles and kisses so it is highly likely that he will be happy in his new role.
From the Artsplace mare Ardenart, Liberal Arden (or Arden as he has been called by his recent owners) was sold at the National Yearling Sales and went on to race 103 times for 8 wins, 20 seconds and 11 thirds. He won stakes of $84,661.
His career began with Phil Burrows then he moved to the stables of Terry and Glenys Chmiel, before his move to the North Island to trainer Arna Donnelly. Arna had a very successful season with him in 2018- 2019 when he clinched the Dunstan Horse feeds Cambridge Horse of the Year title. He had qualified for the Harness Jewels 4 Year Old Emerald but Arna chose to bypass the trip south and concentrate on races on his home track. As a 4 year old his owners Ken and Audrey Piercy were rewarded with ultra-consistent results when he won 4 times, was second 10 times and third 3 times.
In August 2019 he was sold to Australian connections and raced from the Ben Yoles Harness Racing Stables in Tasmania. He gave his owners a huge thrill the weekend he won two races in three days.
Although he always tried his best he hasn't been able to match that form again and his last placing was a third on 23rd April this year. He has been unplaced in his last five starts but he has given his owners a lot of enjoyment following him - and enjoying those cuddles!
Ardenart (Artsplace/Arden's Dream) had a Fear The Dragon foal this season and her temperament is like that of her half brother. Even while at the stud Macca Lodge she was very chilled and unafraid. Her name is Fearlessly Arden.