It was Mark Twain who wrote, “the reports of my death are greatly exaggerated”. In the case of Droopys Live, the line might read, “the reports of my imminent retirement are greatly exaggerated”.

When Jimmy Wright suggested earlier in the week, that if Live was to win the 2019 Doncaster St.Leger, the veteran would be sent to the breeding paddocks, he clearly wasn’t expecting a performance of the calibre that she showed on Wednesday night . . .

To put the run into some perspective, the previous fastest time of the year was recorded by Colliers Arms in 41.49 on going rated +40. A year ago, Roxholme Poppy won the final in 41.74 (-45). So, not bad for a March ’15 whelp!

Assistant trainer Jimmy Wright said: “Within 30 yards we knew it was all over. She seemed to have lost a bit of early pace in recent weeks but has been staying on a bit stronger. But the tracks had been heavy and we were praying that it didn’t rain this week. Thankfully it didn’t”

Following the race, the decision was made to keep Live in training, with the St.Leger a likely target.

Jimmy said: “I noticed on the Star site that she was right up there among the leading open race winners with a few at the top retired or injured and said to the owners, ‘why not keep her going and see what happens by the end of the year?’ If her form dips at any stage, we’ll obviously think again.

“The Perry Barr trip (710m) is on the edge of how far she would want to go but it is a good run to the bend and the dogs she beat on Wednesday will all be going for it so why not?”

It proved a great night for the Harrison kennel with the kennel landing the puppy open with 4-6fav Droopys Tune (Tullymurry Act-Droopys Zero, Nov 17), who clocked 29.63 (-20) 2-5fav Velvet Juliet winning the bitches race in 29.77 (-20) – both 483m and 6-4 chance Parsnip Gerry in the sprint.

Ryan Corrie (centre) SIS Remote Sports Manager, presents the Yorkshire St Leger trophy to the connections of Droopys Live. L-R: Paul Maragh, Jimmy Wright, John Hardman and JD Maragh.
Doncaster 23rd October 2019
Photo: © Steve Nash

Co-owners of Yorkshire St Leger winner Droopys Live pose with their star bitch – L-R Paul Maragh, John Hardman and JD Maragh
Doncaster 23rd October 2019bPhoto: © Steve Nash

VELVET JULIET (t4 centre) on her way to winning the bitches open, with Tisbutadream (t5 left of shot) also prominent early. Photo: © Steve Nash

HEADFORD MAURICE (t3) wins his first open for Sue Watson when leading home Brigadier Bullet (t5) in a supporting stayers open. Photo: © Steve Nash

Finish of the night at Donny as two short heads separate fast finishing ANTIGUA ROMEO (t2) Kilara Bugle (t5 far left) and Droopys Nadal (t4) in the last race of the Yorkshire Leger meeting, the Hiya Butt at Stud Standard. Photo: © Steve Nash

An airborne DROOPYS TUNE (t1 right) tracks Kilara Lion (t4) early before going to win the puppy open on Yorkshire Leger night. Photo: © Steve Nash

Kelly Tobin’s local BANSHA MONET (t6) lands a 20-1 shock in the British Bred for owner Mark Machin.
Doncaster 23rd October 2019
Photo: © Steve Nash