Q & A with Cindy Brooks:
The show started badly, but on stake you are in the presence of a champion.
Your Fondest MeMorY?
day, he just knew this was it. He had to Then the spotlight went on, and Justin
step up and be champion. I knew it was entered the ring. I will never forget
“Upon his purchase and arrival to Cali- his last performance in the show ring. I those words.”
fornia, Joe and Pat (O’Connell) flew up was crying during the entire school, and
to watch us school him for the first time. approach to the in gate, unable to con-
WHY dId He MeAn so MuCH to You?
Sitting in the grandstand, they watched trol my emotions, Justin walked in and
Justin bolt over the jumps at lightning delivered one of the best rounds of his “How much time do you have?”
speed, tense, quick, and lathered. Carle- life.........Unforgettable.”
ton and I looked at each other and said
WHAt dId It MeAn to HAVe tHe
Oh my God, what have we done? The
FAVorIte MeMorY oF tHe
o’ConneLL’s GIVe HIM to You?
O’Connell’s left scratching their heads retIreMent CereMonY?
wondering the same thing”. “In my heart he was always mine. The
“Alan Balch (commentator) giving O’Connell’s purchasing Justin shot our
Most eXCItInG WIn?
the introduction to Justin’s ceremony. careers to the top. Just For Fun was
At night with all the lights out, he de- Uphill Farm. Joe and Pat were our big-
“Del Mar. Coming back after his life scribed what it took to be a champion, gest fans and support team. How could
threatening illness (pleurisy) we wanted the characteristics, mindset, drive, etc. you ever describe what that means to
him to retire a champion, and on top. Then he said.....Ladies and Gentlemen, you? There are no words.”
1996-2008:
The Retirement Years at Independence Farm
When it became time to permanently retire Justin, it was
Cindy who loaded him on the van and drove him herself to
Independence Farm in Oakdale, where Justin lived out the
last 12 years of his life.
Although he had lost his eyesight in later years, he always
had a guide horse to escort him effortlessly throughout his
days. There wasn’t a day that went by, that he wasn’t doted
on in a manner befitting the great champion that he was.
Di and AJ Kranz, owners of Independence Farm said
of Justin: “We had no idea that he was a celebrity. Actu-
ally……..it wouldn’t have made any difference. We love all
of our foster children equally.”
“I was grooming a horse on Christmas Day, and Justin
hung his head over the rail and kept looking at me. I real-
ized he was saying me next! He had this wonderful twinkle
in his eye. I will always remember that day.”
Two weeks later, on January 8, 2008, the 31 year old, thor-
oughbred son of Keelo, died peacefully in his sleep.
It is sometimes said that certain horses choose their peo-
ple, and not the other way around. In this case, nothing
could be more apparent. Just For Fun had exceptional taste
in choosing the people in his life, and they in turn will never,
ever forget him.
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