Trainer Anne Belton has had a few days to digest Lady De La Renta’s farewell and final Perth run, but the emotions are still raw.
The final chapter of Lady De La Renta’s WA career was played out at Gloucester Park on Friday and in a fitting finale, the four-year-old mare bowed out on a winning note.
In a thrilling conclusion before she leaves for the United States, Lady De La Renta claimed her 14th win from 41 starts when she nailed Veiled Secret on the post.
“It was a fantastic night and she did us proud,” Benton told Tabradio.
“I had a shocking day yesterday (Monday) when she left.
“It was like watching one of your daughters go off travelling.
“It breaks your heart a little bit and I didn’t sleep too good at night.
“But we’ve had a great, great journey with her.
“It’s been a marvelous ride with her, marvelous.
“She has gone to America and I think she is going to do bigger and better things over there and I hope that she does.”
Lady De La Renta earned stake earnings of $208,319 in her career, which commenced with a fifth placing behind Cott Beach at Pinjarra in 2017.
But for Benton, her husband, Colin and the remainder of her family, Lady De La Renta was more than just about the prizemoney that she won.
“We called her Chelsea after one of our daughters because she had long legs like Chelsea,” Benton said.
“She hasn’t been the easiest filly to train, she gave us a little bit of grief early on, but we always knew she had ability.
“She had a few little issues when she was young, but that’s history and we have to look forward to the next chapter in our lives without her.
“Colin and I both had a good cry when we both walked down the lane way.”
Julio Santarelli