Big Ben

Big Ben, born at Winston on March 27, 1976, was bred by J. Van Hooydonk of Kalmthout, Belgium, from the sire Etretat and the mare Oekie. Big Ben was Ian Millar's mount for nearly half of Millar's career Grand Prix and Nations' Cup wins. Big Ben was the first horse to win two World Cup Finals with back-to-back titles in 1988 and 1989, and the only horse to win the du Maurier International, the world's richest Grand Prix, twice, in 1987 and 1991. Big Ben placed in the top eight in the World Cup Final for five consecutive years from 1985 to 1989, had more than 40 Grand Prix victories, represented Canada in more than 30 Nations' Cups, and was a member of seven winning Nations' Cup teams. Big Ben won the derby at the Spruce Meadows National six times in eight years, winning the Chrysler Classic in 1986, 1987 and 1989 and the Shell Cup in 1991, 1992 and 1993. Big Ben is believed to have been the first North American show jumper to win more than $1.5 million in prize money, made three Olympic appearances, won two gold medals at the Pan American Games, and was inducted with Ian Millar into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame.

Ontario · Canada