British racing and breeding lost a very special bitch today with the death of Shaws Dilemma.
Bred by Jim Armshaw in Tipperary, owned by Brendan Keogh and Simon Senyk, and trained by Liz McNair, the daughter of Droopys Vieri and Saffron Border first came to attention when winning the 2009 Oaks and Puppy Oaks at Wimbledon. She ran second to Ten Large Down in the Racing Post Juvenile, and went on to reach a second Oaks final and the 2019 St.Leger decider.
On retirement to the breeding paddocks, her first litter included TV Trophy winner King Kane. In a following litter she produced British Bred Derby winner King Alley and British Bred Oaks winner Queen Asia. Then followed the 2016 Puppy Derby forecast of King Eden and King Kid, followed by King Idol and Queen Cher to name but a few. Dilemma was the 2016 Dam of the Year.
‘Socks’ had a long and happy retirement at the KSS Syndicate’s range in Kent, but had been struggling with various ailments for some time. She would have been 13 in January.
Rab McNair said: “It has been a very sad day, but one we knew was coming. She had been deteriorating for a little while. She had lost weight and the girls had been tempting her by frying sausages and chicken to encourage her to eat. She had rallied several times, but in the end, we knew her time had come.
“She was on her bed when the vet administered the injection. I was holding her ear and the girls were in tears. I admit I shed a few myself. I carried her in a blanket to the hill at the top of the property and she was buried next to all the old uns.”
Although it is a sad day, the McNairs have many great memories of a magnificent greyhound.
Rab said: “It only seems like yesterday but I remember the lad bringing her over from Ireland and telling me all about her. There was the Oaks final when she came from behind that very good bitch Tyrur Liz. Then there was the trip back to Ireland and winning on Irish Derby Final night. There were so many great memories.
“She only had about 30 races and was never injured. We retired her for breeding and she loved her life. As she got older, we tried to re-home her in the house but she preferred the kennel. She loved nothing more than going back down there whenever she fancied it. If it came on her mind that she wanted to sleep on a particular kennel, the pup whose kennel it was would have to be moved out. The girls spoiled her rotten and she absolutely ruled the place.
“She really was a very special bitch and we thought the world of her.”
David Hood presents the William Hill Oaks trophy to Tracey and Brendan Keogh, co owners (with Simon Senyk) of SHAWS DILEMMA. Liz and Rab McNair hold their first Classic winner. Wimbledon 15.12.09 Pic Steve Nash
