Some people have specific requests for when they pass away. Others tend to go the tradition route with visitation and a funeral. One late gentleman has made the news this week because he will be getting the treatment only a true horseman would appreciate.
As an article by the New Zealand Herald explains, West Auckland Standardbred trainer Errol Downey, 58, lost his life in a car accident which occurred this past weekend (Saturday, November 4).
Downey – who was also a motorcycle enthusiast that was known to some as a ‘big teenager’ – was a passionate horseman who ended up getting one of his sons, Roydon, into the racing industry. The pair trained horses at the Kumeu Trotting Club and Equine Training Centre.
Errol Downey (centre) pictured in 2010 with his former wife (Dianne) and children (Nathan, Stephanie and Roydon) at Stephanie's 21st birthday (Supplied photo courtesy of the New Zealand Herald)
In true ‘Errol’ fashion, Royol has arranged for a proper sendoff for his late father. The casket will be transported as part of a motorized convoy, which will include motorcycles. The casket will then make one last trip around the racetrack.
"We'll do a convoy with the casket with his ‘bikie’ friends, following and go around the trotting track that he loved so much," Roydon was quoted as saying.
"I'm expecting there'll be 40 or so bikes."
(With files from the New Zealand Herald)