Fastnet Tempest set to remain in Australia

Import Fastnet Tempest confirmed a racing future in Australia with a Flemington win.

Fastnet Tempest has given British trainer William Haggas his first Australian win but the gelding is set to remain in Victoria.

The gelding won Saturday’s Melbourne’s Own 3AW Trophy (1600m) at Flemington with Kerrin McEvoy aboard and will join David Hayes’ Lindsay Park team after this campaign.

Fastnet Tempest races in the colours of syndicator OTI Racing.

Saturday’s win could be Fastnet Tempest’s final start for Haggas but OTI Racing’s Terry Henderson said they might also look at next Saturday’s Eclipse Stakes at Sandown.

“It’s great for William Haggas, this is his first win in Australia,” Henderson said.

“And young Michael Kent has done a terrific job bringing this horse through quarantine. They all should be congratulated.”

Michael Kent Jnr, son of Cranbourne trainer Mick Kent, had an association with Fastnet Tempest when he was a pupil assistant to Haggas in the UK and said it was fantastic and a relief to see the gelding win in his third start of the Victorian spring.

Kent has been looking after the horse at the Werribee quarantine centre.

“I used to ride this horse every day when I was there (in the UK) and then William gave me the call to say ‘can you look after my horse in Australia?’ I’m thrilled for the opportunity,” Kent said.

Fastnet Tempest ($2.70) made his run down the outside and then Raw Impulse charged late after getting clear but missed by a half-head, with three-quarters of a length to Jacquinot Bay third.

McEvoy was formerly based in the UK and said he rode a Royal Ascot winner for Haggas during that period.

“So it’s very pleasing to get a winner here for him,” McEvoy said.