So Loved, So Missed

Today we said goodbye to a beloved member of the Te Akau family, our dear Barbie. We are devastated to lose her - as much for her character as the talent she showed in her career.

We mourn her passing, and with her the idea of what more she could have achieved this year. Our hearts feel empty without her to love, as we also grieve for her breeder and part owner Ken Browne who raced her in partnership with David.

True to your race name, Thrive, you blossomed in training and under pressure, winning five races and claiming the Group 3 Merial Metric Mile last September in style. Ever consistent, you gave your all to race away with victory in one out of every four starts.

How we loved the excitement you brought us through the long winter months, racing genuinely on any surface and never dainty when conditions were trying.

It was love at first sight when David first set eyes on you in Ken's Hawke's Bay paddock where you were born. Your strength and joie de vivre hinted at what all horsemen crave- the X factor. He immediately took interest and made sure you would carry his famous colours on the track.

The same could be said for Jason when he first noticed your strength, your broad chest and back that carried a heart the size of New Zealand,  your kind, intelligent eye that twinkled with determination. Your mix of talent and tenacity, your love for your meals, your sound nature, was a trainer's delight.

Your enthusiasm for training never waned over four seasons, as shown in your habit of pig-rooting through pace work every day. You brought character to every aspect of the stable and farm routines.

You were a favourite among the staff, forcing smiles when you were fed, ridden, groomed or brought in from the paddock. Who could forget the time you head-butted a staff member while you waited to be paraded? Or the time you surprised us all at Taranaki by winning on a good 3? Or your pricked ears and low nickers as you anticipated a full feed bin?

How lucky we all are to say you were a part of our racing family.

A familiar face at the stables and farm over the last four seasons, we will sadly no longer greet you at 4am to start your daily routine under which you thrived. Forever branded in our hearts, farewell beloved Barbie.