Cammibest earns retirement

Cammibest, a legend in the world of Queensland standardbred breeding, has served his last mare.

Hall of Famers, husband-and-wife Noel and Christine Denning, have retired the veteran from active duty at Burwood Stud, Pittsworth, outside of Toowoomba, on the renowned Darling Downs.

The Dennings, whose property has grown exponentially over the past quarter of a century, said the time has come for ‘Cammi’ to be given a just retirement.

“He’s still in his favourite stall and yard, and is King of the Manor, loving life,” Noel Denning said.

“This old horse is part of the furniture at Burwood: ‘Cammi’ is still able-bodied, fit, healthy and happy, and he’s earned his time in the sun.”

A 1:50 millionaire two decades ago, when ‘a million’ meant more than it does today, Cammibest lived up to his illustrious Cam Fella sireline with his racetrack deeds before standing at stud.

Now, as a rising 26-year-old, ‘Cammi’ can rest on his successful siring laurels, with Australian progeny prizemoney earnings nudging $5million, with average earnings per starter of $34,000.

Colts and fillies alike by ‘Cammi’ have done the job, with the old-timer being a sub-1:50 sire whose Australian winners include Group One star Leos Best (1:50.7; $402,240) and numerous $300,000-plus performers, principally Governor Jujon (1:52.8), Jewel Lehigh (1:52.8) and Pub Blitz (1:52.9).

The Dennings are delighted to have at Burwood Cammibest’s 1:55 ‘Two Hundred Grand Club’ member, Smart As Camm Be, just one of a number of their dear old horse’s outstanding daughters now at stud.

“Cammibest helped secure Burwood Stud’s reputation,” Noel Denning said. “We owe ‘Cammi’ big time.

“We’ll always have a soft spot for him – he’s an incredibly kind horse, people love him and he has been a joy around the place.

“Like Slim Dusty said in Leave Him In The Long Yard, we’ll pull his tail and turn him out today!”

From Burwood Stud