Tarlac
🐎 Tarlac (IRE)
Foaled: 14th February 2022 | Sex: Gelding | Colour: Bay
Sire: Pinatubo (IRE) | Dam: Sharja Queen (GB)
Dam’s Sire: Pivotal (GB)
Trainer: Katie Scott
Why This Horse?
Tarlac is an exciting and progressive young sprinter who represents exactly the type of horse that can continue improving with experience. A beautifully bred son of Pinatubo, one of the most exciting young stallions in Europe, he brings together natural speed, athleticism and a pedigree packed with quality.
Having started his career with top-class trainer Kevin Ryan, Tarlac showed ability from an early stage before joining the Katie Scott team, where he has continued to develop and find his ideal racing conditions.
His breakthrough came at Ripon in May 2025, when he travelled strongly and showed a willing attitude to get his head in front over six furlongs. That victory demonstrated the ability that had always been there and suggested there could be more to come as he gains confidence and experience.
Tarlac is a horse with plenty of speed but also the attitude needed to compete in competitive handicaps. As he continues to mature, there is every reason to believe he can build on his winning form and provide plenty of exciting days for his connections.
🏇 Racing Profile
Foaled on 14th February 2022, Tarlac is an Irish-bred bay gelding who has built up valuable experience in competitive Flat handicaps. He has raced mainly over six furlongs, while also showing versatility over seven furlongs and shorter sprint trips.
His first career victory came at Ripon over six furlongs on 29th May 2025, where he showed a strong attitude to get the better of his rivals. He backed that up with a solid second at Hamilton shortly afterwards, confirming that the win was no fluke.
Tarlac’s racing style is based around travelling smoothly and using his natural speed. He has shown he can race prominently or settle just behind the pace before producing his effort late.
Although he has found some competitive handicaps challenging since his victory, he has continued to run honestly and remains relatively unexposed. His handicap mark has eased, giving him opportunities to get back on track when finding the right race conditions.
With more maturity expected, he remains the type of horse who could continue to progress through the sprint handicap ranks.
🏠 Training
Tarlac is trained by Katie Scott at her Galashiels-based yard, where he joins a team that has developed a strong reputation for improving horses and getting the best out of their individual characteristics.
Katie’s approach is built around treating every horse as an individual, allowing them the time and confidence to progress. This has suited Tarlac well, with the gelding continuing to gain experience and adapt to different racing challenges.
Since joining the Scott yard, Tarlac has shown his best form over sprint trips, particularly around six furlongs, where his natural pace and ability to travel strongly can be used to maximum effect.
The team will continue to look for suitable handicap opportunities, with his profile suggesting that he can remain competitive when conditions are right.
🧬 Pedigree Highlights
Tarlac is by Pinatubo (IRE), the outstanding son of Shamardal who was crowned European Champion Two-Year-Old after an unbeaten juvenile season before becoming a Group 1 winner over a mile.
Pinatubo was renowned for his exceptional speed, professionalism and powerful finishing ability. His offspring are expected to inherit his athleticism and sharpness, making them particularly suited to modern Flat racing.
His dam, Sharja Queen (GB), is by Pivotal (GB), one of the most influential broodmare sires of recent generations. Pivotal is renowned for producing tough, versatile horses with excellent temperaments and the ability to handle a variety of conditions.
The pedigree combination gives Tarlac an exciting profile:
Pinatubo provides class, speed and a high-quality Flat pedigree.
Pivotal adds toughness, durability and versatility.
The overall family suggests a horse suited to sharp sprinting contests but with enough quality to progress.
🌟 Looking Ahead
Tarlac remains an exciting horse with plenty still to offer. His early career has shown he possesses ability, and his Ripon victory proved that he has the talent to win when conditions fall right.
With Katie Scott continuing to place him carefully, there is every chance he can add further victories to his record. His natural speed, honest attitude and strong pedigree make him a horse that should continue to give his connections plenty of enjoyment.
A talented young sprinter with more improvement to come, Tarlac is another exciting member of the Ursa Major Racing team.