Racing icon reminds us it’s all about the love of the horse
Last Friday came the news that Arazi (Blushing Groom) had passed away.
He died at the ripe old age of 32 at Stockwell Thoroughbreds in Victoria, a place where he happily spent his pensioned years.
For a thoroughbred he had a very good innings but his death has struck a chord with many.
It sent people’s minds racing back 30 years to when the bright chestnut with a crooked blaze captured global attention under the Twin Spires at Churchill Downs, winning the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (Gr 1, 8.5f) by a staggering margin running away from them.
Social media lit up with tributes from people of all ages and from all over the world sharing their memories of Arazi and that unforgettable afternoon in Kentucky. Some of the comments on Twitter included;
“Sad to hear this although lovely he had such a long and happy retirement. Remember being allowed to stay up and watch his ‘91 Breeders Cup. Still blows me away watching replays today.” – James Oldring
“That is a shame but he had a long life. I was lucky enough to see him win the Juvenile and it was a privilege to look after his master trainer Francois Boutin. Happy memories.” – Adrian Beaumont
Arazi retired from racing as the winner of nine of his 14 starts and then stallion duties beckoned and he bounced around the globe. First, he stood at Sheikh Mohammed’s Dalham Hall Stud in Newmarket, England.
Sheikh Mohammed then purchased Allen Paulson’s 50 per cent share and moved him to Three Chimneys Farm in Kentucky, before he was sent to a breeder in Japan in 1997.
Next, Arazi travelled to Australia to join the Independent Stallion Station in Victoria in 2003.
He then spent one season at Swiss breeding facility Gestut Sohrenhof before returning to Mike Becker’s Independent Stallion Station in 2006.
Becker, who is now the principal of Stockwell Thoroughbreds, has been his owner and guardian ever since and was deeply saddened by the passing of his well travelled old mate.
“I think the coverage from the major media racing outlets since his passing reflects the magnitude of his standing in racing history.
“We have had thousands of messages of what he meant to people from all walks of life. He will be missed around here enormously as he always enjoyed company.
“He was always a cheeky and lively little lad, extremely light on his feet. While he didn’t reach the heights as a stallion, we were always aware that he had a massive following, particularly in the US and UK and that we were caretakers of a racing icon,” said Becker.
His stud career was a moderate success compared with what he achieved on the racetrack.
He did, however, leave a champion son Congaree and a number of his daughters proved to be great producers, with the most notable being the stakes–winning America who is the dam of 2010 Melbourne Cup (Gr 1, 3200m) winner Americain (Dynaformer).
Perhaps Arazi’s biggest legacy of all is the huge legion of mourning fans he’s left across the world.
“One of his annual regular fans is a lady in New York. Her father took her to Churchill Downs to see his win.
“She has long suffered movement issues and has highly trained mobility dogs to help her get about in her chair. She is onto her third dog, all named Arazi. Sue has never missed sending the most beautiful and heartfelt cards on the old boy’s birthday. She is devastated at the news of his passing,” he said.
There are certain racehorses of current and past eras that can have a deep impact on us.
They inspire, they motivate, they leave us in awe of their athleticism and beauty and sometimes they leave us wondering.
Most of us have that special horse imprinted in our minds and it can be the catalyst for why we became involved in the sport, whether it be in a professional capacity, as an owner, punter or simply as a fan.
They pull us in.
And, they pull us together in tough times like we are enduring now. Racing in the southern hemisphere has thrived during the Covid-19 pandemic. More people are buying racehorses and breeding stock than ever before and wagering turnover is through the roof in Australia and New Zealand.
TAB NZ has just reported an annual profit of $NZ145.4 million which was NZ$35.7 million above budget.
Before Covid-19 hit, there was a thought racing might be losing its lustre, with fans turning away, citing welfare issues as their main concern.
Being the only sport that’s continued functioning unabated during the health crisis, racing, on occasion, has been the sole sporting entertainment option and this has helped to regrow its fan base.
Concerted efforts by the industry to develop welfare initiatives and support them with promotional campaigns to spread a positive message have certainly had an impact, too, but there’s still plenty of work to be done in that contentious space.
These days the indelible impression a racing icon like Arazi leaves is no longer enough to keep the younger, more sceptical generation engaged or even interested.
What they want and need to know about is the grand life he led long after his racing career and the love Mike Becker had for him right until the very end of his days.