When an 18 month old pup clocks 28.09 (525) on debut at Shelbourne Park, it is surely only a matter of time before she wins a big one.
Within a couple of months Billys Diva had reached the 2020 Irish Oaks semi final before progressing to the final of the National Puppy Stake where she finished runner-up to the brilliant Ballymac Ariel.
Returned to Shelbourne ealier this year to finish third in the Easter Cup and fourth in the Shelbourne Open 600. There was a second attempt at the Irish Oaks and straight wins through to the final where she finished third behind the brilliant Susie Sapphire.
With Skywalker Cilla twice within sniffing distance of the Perry Barr track record, it looked as though the Maria Kennedy trained fawn might miss out again. Clearly the biggest danger for the final (9-1) bar the pair, Diva went to trap one for a rain sodden final on Thursday night and this happened . . .
OAKS FINAL SECTIONAL: Ritzy Lady (t6 far left) leads early from eventual winner Billys Diva (t1). Also pictured Anniversary Girl (t5), Skywalker Cilla (t4), Ballymac Trend (t3) and Droopys Samantha (t2). Photo: © Steve Nash
BILLYS DIVA Oaks presentation: Laura Kennedy, flanked by her dad John Kennedy Senior and brother John Kennedy Junior, receives the Arc Oaks trophy. Completing the line up from L-R are Michael Kennedy, Ann Snowdon and Steve Jones. Perry Barr 28th October 2021 Photo: © Steve Nash
Joint owner John Kennedy Junior with his Oaks champ Billys Diva and the trophies Photo: © Steve Nash
Patrick Janssens’ Crossfield Dusty had won one of his first four races when he made his Perry Barr debut in September.
Five races later he is unbeaten, the most recent outing being the Category Two Arena Racing Company Scurry Gold Cup. He went to trap two as the 10-11fav.
CROSSFIELD DUSTY wins the Arc Scurry Gold Cup Final Perry Barr 28th October 2021 Photo: © Steve Nash
Scury winner CROSSFIELD DUSTY with kennelhand Kelly Bakewell. Photo: © Steve Nash
There was a fabulous double for the Kennedy family when Diva’s litter Good Diva landed a supporting open in just six spots slower than the Oaks winner. . .
GOOD DIVA (t1) wins the bitches 480 open. Kennedy family’s double on the night later landed with Billys Diva in the Oaks. Photo: © Steve Nash
ROMEO DE NIRO wins puppy open on Oaks/Scurry Finals night. Photo: © Steve Nash
GYMSTAR ELUSIVE, Champion Stakes runner up, makes a winning return to four bends Photo: © Steve Nash
