With the running last night of the 2008 Hobart Thousand I looked up an old publication that was laying on the floor next to me (I am not the tidiest person around) and specifically to see if there was anything in there about Benjamin John. In fact, there was, specifically his full 1969 record which included the Hobart Thousand Final. It was not only his Hobart Thousand win that struck me but his lead up racing and also his immediately subsequent racing and the travelling that he did in 1969 with his famous trainer, the "cagey" old Stan Cleverley. Stan had the trial track and breaking-in establishment at Minto where some very good dogs (to say the least) regularly trialled in 1969 and not only Stan's dogs, like Benjamin John, Millimsimbi and Bunyip Bint, but also other stars like Zoom Top and Rokoko. Anyway, back to Benjamin and his racing in very early 1969:
2 Jan 2nd Dapto FFA 555 yards,
11 Jan Won WP White City Trophy 580,
15 2nd Bulli FFA 675,
20 Jan Won Olympic Pk Invitation 560,
25 Jan Won Hobart Thousand heat 540 (Record),
1 Feb 2nd WP FFA 580,
5 Feb Won Hobart Thousand Semi 540,
8 Feb Won Hobart Thousand Final 540,
12 Feb Won Olympic Park Australian Cup Heat 560,
17 Feb Won Olympic Park Aust Cup Semi 560,
24 Feb Won Olympic Park Final 560.
And he didn't stop his racing there he went right on with it. This is a pretty heavy schedule especially when you consider that transport arrangements and veterinary technology weren't quite as good in those days. But then again you could use things on those days that you can't use now. He turned out to be a great sire. With hindsight I wish I had used him.