Sad Farewell to Ben

It is with hugely heavy hearts and very red eyes that we farewell the amazingly talented O'Darci who was lost to us at today's Paeroa trials when he broke his leg.

The big, gentle giant we know as "Ben" was so loved by us all at Te Akau and especially by his owners - Carol we all shed tears with you today and can't believe he is gone.  Everyone is devastated for you and feel his loss so deeply.

By Darci Brahma and bred by Carol, Ben was the most amazing horse - kind, handsome and talented.  Althought he had won three races from three starts we all knew the best of him was yet to come - Jason knew what a talent he had on his hands and with the blessing of his owners, he was oh so patiently handled.

We remember your first trial Ben when you were runner up to Spending.  That was back in December 2012.  You were again runner up in your April 2013 trial at Cambridge and we knew you were ready to step out on raceday for the first time.

On the 9 May 2013 you travelled to Woodville and came home a maiden no more, winning at your very first start.  We gave you a good break and in October you went to Cambridge and beat two very good horses at the trials by 1.25 lengths.  Our recent Listed Anniversary winer Abidewithme was second to you (and you know how good we think she is) and Fantastic Honour was third.

So you returned to the races on 24 October at Hawkes Bay and declared your arrival with a 3.25 length win over Frankly and Tradtri.  You quite liked those huge margins didn't you Ben?!  On 12 November you were at it again, winning at Manawatu, bolting clear to win by 4.25 lengths.

To Carol and Bob and Angela - his amazing owners - our hearts hurt for you - we know how special he was in your lives and although it was devastating for you to be there, you did get a chance to say farewell.

You will never fulfil your potential Ben - we thought you were a true star in the making - and we can only be comforted by knowing that you were so loved and cared for by us in your short time.  It's a very tough business racing and one that still reduces us to tears - rest in peace big buddy - xxx

Ben
19.10.09 - 23.1.14