Racing was dealt a severe blow yesterday when 89-year-old racing legend, Dr Steve Bennett passed away at his home on Gordon Street, St Augustine. Dr Bennett was the son of Oliver “Penlyn” Bennett, another racing legend and May Bennett (both deceased). His wife Clarie Bennett passed on some years ago. Dr Bennett was the youngest jockey ever to win the T&T Derby when he won aboard Danny Boy in 1937, at ten years of age. He later retired at 15.
The T&T Racing Authority established a “Racing Hall of Fame” in March 1998, which recognised the achievements of outstanding horses, owners, trainers, jockeys, grooms, institutions and other contributors and Dr Bennett was duly inducted in 1998. Apart from his professional responsibilities as a vet, Dr Bennett was an advocate of the buffalypso industry. He was born in Hardbargain, Princes Town in 1922. As a young boy, his interest in animals focussed mainly on horses, a passion he inherited from his father, who was a successful jockey. At the age of ten, he became a professional jockey, riding and winning until he was a teenager. He was also keen on other sports and at school he took part in athletics, boxing, cricket and football.
His love for animals influenced his choice of study. After attending Presentation College, San Fernando, he studied animal husbandry and the breeding and caring for farm animals in Canada and later in the US. Bennett worked as a veterinarian for a number of organisations in Trinidad. It was at his job at the agricultural company, Caroni Limited that he did his pioneering work on the buffalypso.
He was of the view that the buffalo produced high quality meat and milk and could become a major product in T&T. At his private veterinary practice, one of the largest in the Caribbean, he provided medical care for his beloved thoroughbred racehorses, dairy cattle, water buffaloes, mules and small animals. He has earned praise and awards for his work from countries across the globe—Jamaica, Brazil, Bulgaria and Egypt. At home, he received a national award, the Chaconia Medal Silver, for his contribution to agriculture and veterinary medicine.
Bennett will be remembered for his famous words of “One does best in what one likes doing best...” Bennett leaves to mourn Robyn Rostant, Patricia Rostant-Kerren, Sie Costello, Charlene Costelloe and Douglas Bennett. He was the brother of Joy Lucie Smith (deceased), Pat (deceased), Barbara Ross, and Joan Mahon. He was the grandfather of 16 and great grandfather of seven. Funeral arrangement to be announced.
By Kelvin 'N'
Source: www.guardian.co.tt