Peter Hollinshead had a tough day when he had to bid farewell to his old mate Na Botto.
The 31-year-old passed away last Friday on the Hollinshead property at Te Awamutu with his 'master' at his side.
"He fought right to the end," Hollinshead said. "He looked as though he was going then he'd kick back again. He just wouldn't give in."
Trained by Hollinshead (then in partnership with Richard Otto), Na Botto contested two Gr.1 Melbourne Cups and finished third to Empire Rose in the 1988 feature. Two years later he ran fourth to Kingston Rule in race record time.
Among Na Botto's nine wins was the Manawatu Cup and his other major placings included a second in the NZ St Leger, a third in the New Zealand Derby and a fourth in the Auckland Cup.
"We used him with the young horses when he retired and he loved it," Hollinshead said. "I'll miss him."
The 31-year-old passed away last Friday on the Hollinshead property at Te Awamutu with his 'master' at his side.
"He fought right to the end," Hollinshead said. "He looked as though he was going then he'd kick back again. He just wouldn't give in."
Trained by Hollinshead (then in partnership with Richard Otto), Na Botto contested two Gr.1 Melbourne Cups and finished third to Empire Rose in the 1988 feature. Two years later he ran fourth to Kingston Rule in race record time.
Among Na Botto's nine wins was the Manawatu Cup and his other major placings included a second in the NZ St Leger, a third in the New Zealand Derby and a fourth in the Auckland Cup.
"We used him with the young horses when he retired and he loved it," Hollinshead said. "I'll miss him."