Big Ben was a 17.3hh liver chestnut Belgian who gave ian Millar some of his greatest sucsesses only two horses have ever been inducted into the Candian Sports hall of Fame: Northern Dancer and Big Ben. he was a Canadian treasure! big ben was born in 1976 in Belgium, and was known back then as "Winston". in 1983 he was sold to a Dutch trainer Who gave him the name "Big Ben". That same year, Ian Millar bought him and brought him back to Canada.
in 1990, Big Ben had a serious colic attack, it almost killed him, but he recovered and was later named Canadian Champion! unbelievably, in 1992 Ben survived a horrific traffic accident and managed to win the Grand Prix at Spruce Meadows two weeks later!
Big ben was officially retired from the show ring in 1994 at the age of 18. He was made an honorary member of the R.C.M.P. Musical Ride and was also inducted into the Canadian Sports hall of Fame, as I mentioned earlier. Sadly he died December 11,1999 of colic. he was a much loved Canadian Legend. |
