Brendon McCullum Horse Named After Ben Stokes Is Set To Make His Debut: In an example of delightful camaraderie, former New Zealand cricketer and current England Test coach, Brendon McCullum, has honoured England Test captain, Ben Stokes, in an unusual way. McCullum, displaying his admiration for Stokes, has named his new horse after the acclaimed all-rounder. This gelding horse christened ‘Ben Stokes’, will debut at Cambridge in New Zealand on Thursday, July 13.
This three-year-old horse is the result of McCullum’s passion for horse breeding. The cricketer-turned-horse-owner joined forces with Kurtis Pertab, an experienced horse trainer. Together, they bred this promising contender, hoping to introduce him to the thrill of official racing.
Preparations for the horse’s debut have been encouraging, with successful trials reflecting positively on the gelding’s potential. Pertab, while expressing optimism about the horse’s racing career, spoke to LoveRacing NZ. He hinted at the pressure on the young horse but expressed satisfaction with the gelding’s progress thus far.
Pertab acknowledged the weight of expectation on ‘Ben Stokes’, especially for a maiden race. However, he stated, “He has trained well from his trials, I couldn’t be happier with him.” The trainer’s statement brings a promising outlook, tempered by the reality that race day experiences can be unpredictable. Pertab explained, “It will just come down to race day experience and whether he is sharp enough against race day pressure.”
Brendon McCullum names his horse ‘Ben Stokes’
The trainer also spoke about the gelding’s trials. According to Pertab, they were promising, and he expressed confidence in the horse’s potential to perform well. “His trials have been good, so he should go alright,” he added. This statement gives a positive indication about the gelding’s racing debut and sets expectations high for spectators and stakeholders alike.
The horse’s namesake, Ben Stokes, was born in Christchurch, New Zealand. His early years were spent in his birthplace until the age of 12 when his family relocated to England. Since then, Stokes has grown to become a formidable force in international cricket.
The homage to Stokes through this horse-naming initiative is a testament to McCullum’s respect for his fellow cricketer. It brings together two disparate worlds – cricket and horse racing – in a unique bond of mutual admiration. The strong rapport between Stokes and McCullum makes this gesture all the more endearing.
Despite the pressure and high stakes, there is a wave of anticipation for ‘Ben Stokes’ debut race. The cricketing world, along with horse racing enthusiasts, will be watching closely. As the gelding steps onto the track, he carries not only the weight of expectation but also the honour of a celebrated name. It’s more than just a maiden race; it’s a celebration of the camaraderie that transcends the boundaries of sport.
In the end, this unique endeavour underscores the respect and admiration that exists between Stokes and McCullum. It serves as a reminder of the friendships and bonds that can form in the world of sports. Whether or not ‘Ben Stokes’ emerges victorious in his maiden race, the story behind his name will continue to inspire and engage fans worldwide.
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