There is no such thing as straightforward success story. With all the necessary qualities and attributes in place, the role of fate can never be underplayed.
Take the story of No Rush, who on Saturday night, did this . . . .
The mysterious forces first came into play in the spring of 2020. Owner trainer Martin White had decided to breed with Vahsel Bay, a daughter of his former Derby finalist Wise Thought.
Bred by, and jointly owned by his great friend Barney Mooney, Martin rated Bay, even though her racing rewards had not matched her ability. On debut she had beaten future Laurels and Scottish Derby winner The Other Reg in a puppy open at Nottingham. She returned to Ireland and was beaten at 4-5f in a Produce Stakes semi and had 29.59 winning form over the Irish Derby course.
Valsel Bay – Oaks winning mum
But it wasn’t quite that straightforward.
The spring of 2020 was quite ‘eventful’ and otions to send Bay back to Ireland for a mating were ruled out by Covid lockdown.
Rather than be put off, Martin opted for the British based Greyhound of the Year, King Elvis, a dog who he states, “we may well have gone for anyway, because the line crosses well with the dam’s breeding.”
The mating took place which resulted in three dogs and five bitches.
At four months old and short of space, Martin sent the litter to Irish rearer Sean Conway. (That’s No Rush – the blue showing off a white chest as she jumps against the fence)
As a gesture, in return for numerous favours, Martin offered Sean one of the bitches as a gift. The selection was made by picking an earmark and Sean picked the strapping blue who would turn out to be No Rush
We’ve only bloody done it!
Sean said: “I took her to Shelbourne after her fourth time in the box and she did 19.24 for the sprint. But before that she did 11.08 in a handslip at McCanns, which is how I priced her but she has obviously done better than I thought.
“She wasn’t expensive. I had three in the litter who all won their first race. One of the dogs I thought was going to be a superstar but he got hurt, or something in the kennels.”
The 32 kilo blue was sold to John and Callum Purdy.
Sean said: “When Callum bought No rush he asked me could I get her name for him and he was in No Rush. I said you’ll never believe it that’s her name”
Prophetically, success didn’t come instantly for No Rush, the Oaks was her eighth final. But it was well worth the wait with a masterful piece of training by Carol Weatherall and Darren Holmes.
Callum Purdy said: “A fairytale for us all. She’s took me and my dad on an unbelievable journey.
“My dad first took me racing at Wimbledon when I was three years old. I’m 32 next week. Year after year I would stand on the first bend at plough lane being in awe of all the champions. I’ve watched them all since the late 90s. As a kid I was hooked.
“I knew one day we’d win one but to win the English Oaks is a dream come true. My cousin but also great friend Charlie Purdy has been with me from day one too and to have him as well as my dad there to life the trophy last night was extra special.
“I was her biggest critic early on in her career as I didn’t think she could cut it at top level outside of British bred but how clueless am I? She’s won the f**** oaks!
“She’s become the ultimate professional and that’s down to the one man in Darren Holmes. He is a professional in everything he does and I’ve seen it first hand. He turned a raw novice baby in to a champion and I’ll be forever grateful.
“Carol and Natalie working beside him at home are a formidable team and I’m so pleased for them all.
“Another man who deserves all the plaudits is Sean Conway, producing dog after dog for us and he’s also become a great friend to me in recent times so on a personal level I’d like to thank him too.
“I’ve been totally overwhelmed with the messages. A really special night that I’ll never forget.”
No Rush joint owner John Purdy (right) holds the Oaks trophy presented by Lord David Lipsey, trainer Carol Weatherall and partner Darren Holmes centre pic Photo: © Steve Nash
Trainer Carol Weatherall and partner Darren Holmes with their Oaks winner No Rush Photo: © Steve Nash
