Chris Waller Racing’s head track-work rider Ben Cadden has been selected as a finalist for the Horsemanship Award as part of the inaugural Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards.

In a talented field of nominees, Ben has made it through to the final three as an exceptionally talented rider and a brilliant horseman in general.

Such is Chris’s trust in Ben’s skill in riding gallops and his valuable assessment of horses, Ben is charged with riding a large portion of the stable’s important gallops leading into big races across the country. In addition to this work, Ben works tirelessly at race-meetings as a barrier attendant and also helps transporting horses between the farms and our Rosehill and Warwick Farm bases.

“Ben started working for me in my early days when I was first starting out in Australia and my best horse was Double Dare,” said Chris.

“He was a great asset then and still is to this day.”

“Ben’s love and passion for horses is why I nominated him for the award and if it was physically possible to ride the 140 horses we have at Rosehill each morning, I’m sure he’d give it a go.”

“Ultimately, Ben is a great horseman. He is brilliant with some of the quirkier horses we come across, is never late or sick and is a role model to our other riders and ground staff. He is hugely respected by not only everyone in our stable but by all that know him.”

Ever humble, on his nomination for the award Ben commented “I work in an industry full of talented horsemen and women and I’m deeply honoured to make the final three,”

“I’d just like to thank the great horses I have been associated with and the people that have been kind enough to let me learn from them over years by influencing me along the way.”

When pressed for a favourite horse he’s worked with, Ben offered his ‘Top Six’ which is headed up by Darley’s Exceed and Excel plus Reliable Man, Zoustar, The Juggler, Rangirangdoo and Danleigh.

The award winners will be announced on Sky Racing Channel’s Bred to Win show on November 12th and the team at CWR wish Ben the best of luck – you’re already a winner in our eyes Benny!