Benjie LaRue, a beloved figure in the horse racing community, has announced his retirement after a distinguished career spanning over three decades. LaRue, who has been a mainstay at Ellis Park in Henderson, Kentucky, reflected on his journey, saying, "I had a really good career. I grew up here in Henderson, and I've called Ellis Park home my entire life."
LaRue's career, which began in the late 1980s, was marked by both achievements and challenges. Among the setbacks were a devastating tornado in 2005 that struck the stable area and a barn fire in 2009. Despite these hurdles, LaRue's passion for the sport and his deep ties to the racing industry kept him going. He also credited his late uncle Bobby, with whom he shared a barn at the now-defunct Riverside Downs, for being a significant influence in his life.
Over the years, LaRue made 1,548 starts, achieving 159 wins and amassing over $2.2 million in purse earnings. However, changing dynamics within the horse racing industry and difficulties in attracting new clients have led him to step back from training. "Things in the horse racing industry have changed," LaRue noted, adding that he had enjoyed many good years at Ellis Park and other tracks around Kentucky.
Dan Bork, racing secretary at Ellis Park, praised LaRue's contributions, stating, "Benjie is a legend here at Ellis Park. As a lifelong resident of Henderson, we could always count on Benjie to be ready for the Ellis Park meet."
Beyond the racetrack, LaRue is also known for his culinary skills, particularly his love for barbecue. For the past four decades, he has hosted an annual pig roast in the barn area, a tradition cherished by his racetrack family. LaRue shared his simple yet effective approach to cooking ribs, emphasising the importance of timing and proper seasoning to achieve tender, flavorful results.
Although LaRue is retiring from training, he plans to remain a regular presence at Ellis Park, spending weekends catching up with friends and enjoying the atmosphere of the track. "There are so many good people around the racetrack that I've called family for years. We've gone through so many things together, and I think that's what made my job so much better," LaRue said.
LaRue's retirement marks the end of an era at Ellis Park, but his legacy and contributions to the racing community will be remembered for years to come.