King Elvis (Tullymurry Act-Skate On, Oct 15) completed a six-timer to land a thrilling 71st British Bred Produce Stakes at Swindon on Saturday.
Liz McNair’s even money favourite ran from trap three with Ballyoak Petal (T2) featuring in the early stages and the subsequently unlucky Apache Kid running from five. . .
Rab McNair – pic Josh Sealey
Assistant trainer Rab McNair said: “I think he has really grown up during this competition. I thought he would have to lead to win, so to see him win so to see him come from behind like that was absolutely magnificent.”
It was Elvis’ ninth win in twelve races though it was in the seventh race that Rab realised the calibre of dog he had on his hands.
He said: “We took him to Henlow for what was meant to be a stepping stone in his education and he gave a start and beating to Clondoty Alex. At that stage you think, ‘what have I got here?'”
The McNairs have a February ’17 litter out of Elvis’ dam, the Oaks and Scurry runner-up Skate On, by the kennel’s former star, Eden The Kid.
Rab said: “There are seven dogs and a bitch and although they are still very young, they take my breath away; their stature, their temperament, everything. I just look at them and think, if they don’t turn out to be something special it will probably kill me.”
The race also proved a triumph for Bicester based Jeff Sealey who schooled the first four across the line, the 14th occasion that he has schooled the winner of the competition.
