Ian Fortune
Alan Dobbs was in touch to inform us that brilliant Oaks winner Ballymac Beanie is a mum.
She had a litter of seven bitches and two dogs by Droopy Sydney in recent days. It seems like only yesterday she raced to a brilliant success in the 2020 Sporting Press Irish Oaks.
A daughter of Derby champion Ballymac Matt and the incredible Coolavanny Pet, she was bred to be fast and certainly fulfilled her immense potential, although she was retired early. She had only a handful of races ahead of her 2020 Oaks challenge making her march through the classic even more remarkable.
With the exception of an unlucky half length defeat in the semi-finals, she was foot perfect through the competition and saw off a stunning field in the decider. A fortnight later she returned to capture the bitch race at the 2020 Winter Racing Festival. Sadly, he had an interrupted 2021 campaign and was retired last September.
Now her lucky owners, Alan Dobbs, his wife Ciara, and his brother, professional jockey Pat Dobbs can start dreaming of further classic glory with Beanie’s pups. Alan said of the pups and Beanie, “We’re delighted. She had seven bitches and two dogs and is the kindest mother you can imagine.”
CAUGHT BY THE BUG
It’s clear, following the track success of Ballymac Beanie, Alan and his brother have been bitten by the bug and have some very well-bred youngsters to look forward to hitting the track.
They own a member of the Pestana/ Unlock Unlock, which he states is galloping very well and looks a prospect.
They have since bought another from the next litter from Unlock Unlock by Grangeview Ten, while he is also very hopeful for two Droopys Sydney dogs out of wonderful brood Ballymac Belle.
If the two pups turn out to be anything like their half siblings Leger champ Ballymac Merlin, Ballymac Belvult, Da Bold Freddie, English Puppy Derby champ Deelish Frankie or Puppy Oaks winner Ballymac Snazzy, Alan will have plenty to get excited about.