Ben Currie looking ahead

Leading Queensland trainer Ben Currie has experience the highs and lows of racing in a short space of time, but he is confident that his horses will provide a much needed morale boost this Saturday at Doomben in the BRC Sprint (1350m).

The 27 year old, who has a decisive lead in the Queensland Trainers Premiership, saddles up a two pronged attack in the shape of Ruettiger and the resuming Cantbuybetter. He was forthright in picking which one he fancied the most.

“Cantbuybetter is flying,” Currie told Justhorseracing.

“He has had Jumpouts, he’s been set for the race and I think he’s a massive chance.”

“Ruetigger is around around the mark, but struggles to win. I would probably prefer to run him at a mile, but he drew wide last week so he’ll run here but the horse is in fine order.”

His only other runner for the day will be the ever consistent Saipan, who will go around in the Benchmark 85 over 1200m, a trip which he appears suspect at.

“He (Saipan) is as tough as old boots,” The trainer said.

“It’s a fair call about the 1200 being as fair as he wants that grade, but due to his rating he’s obviously a bit tricky to place.”

“I thought he would still be better in this than in the Chief De Beers, which was the other option.”

It has been an up and down season for Currie. He leads the Queensland Trainers Premiership, he recently notched up career win number 500, he recently dominated his hometown Cup Day at Toowoomba. They are the highs. The lows are that an ongoing QRIC investigation into alleged race day treatment of his horses on Weetwood Day, on April 17.

Three stablehands have now been suspended or disqualified, the latest being on Tuesday with Silde Canda being suspended for three months for giving false evidence to the QRIC relating to a mobile phone. Currie says the frustration is growing and wants his opinion out there for all to see.

“Nobody has asked me for a comment on the matters,” Currie said.

“It’s been extremely disappointing for me and the stable, especially seeing cheap shots and pot shots being plastered all over social media.”

The talk and rumours about Currie dates back to October/November last year where it was alleged that one of QLD’s stewards tipped off Currie about stable inspections. The trainer says it’s getting to the point where walking away from the industry is becoming a real possibility.

“100% walking away is an option if this drags on” The trainer said.

“I’m 27, I’ve got plenty of options and others things I could do. I don’t need to work the hours I do to be constantly hammered like this.”

It has been a career best season to date for Currie, with currently 127 wins so far, along with a host of blacktype success. While it has been a great season, it could well be his last season.