Massive 'trifecta' for popular couple

POPULAR couple Julie and Darren Billinger received the perfect 'trifecta' during the weekend.

The Billinger's celebrations began with the arrival of their first grandchild - a beautiful filly named Betty Mae.

The Billinger's daughter Jodie and her wife, Jaime, welcome the bundle of joy on Friday night.

Two days later the Billinger's were holding the Port August Thoroughbred Cup aloft thanks to Ichibansan.

Rounding out the highlight, Darren trained and drove Twin Connection to glory at Globe Derby this afternoon.

"For an old bloke like me, it's been a rugged four days, but I couldn't have asked for it to have been any better," Darren said. "We were in Mildura when Betty arrived and got home to see her the next day.

"Then it was off to Port Augusta on Sunday, back home this morning and straight to Globe Derby.

"We've had plenty to smile about in the past few days, but obviously the grandparent thing is the best."

Leading throughout from the pole, Twin Connection rated 1:59.3 over 1800 metres as Give Us A Wink and Come On Sloopy filled the placings.

"His form had been ordinary, but he had a virus and I felt he went a bit better last week," Billinger said. "He felt good in prelim today and ran accordingly.

"There is a heat and Final series coming up, with the heats on Saturday week, so I will give him a go at that."