Memories of one of the sport's great characters

MEMORIES of one of the sport's great characters came rushing back at Tabcorp Park Melton tonight.

Making her fifth Group One appearance, Dougs Babe registered a well-earned triumph in a Vicbred Super Series Final.

Prepared by Geoff Webster, Dougs Babe was bred by the horseman’s later brother Doug, who died in March 2018 at the age of 61.

The fact Doug survived beyond childhood is testament to his tenacity and knack of overcoming obstacles, traits Dougs Babe also possesses according to Webster.

“His ability to overcome every challenge put in front of him was truly amazing,” Webster said.

“There were complications at Doug’s birth and the doctors didn’t expect him to live past 20.

“He was born with the umbilical cord wrapped around his throat and the ramifications were that his body did things a bit slower than the rest of us.”

A popular race track fixture when Webster had a horse racing, Doug enjoyed nothing more than watching runners he owned compete…especially those he bred.

“His attitude to life and the people around him was so positive it was infectious,” Webster said. “Douglas was very much into the social side of the sport, but geez, he loved his horses.

“He got a huge thrill out of watching those he raced and bred win, no matter where or how big a race it was.

“She is one of the last he bred and the first Group One winner he's bred, so he'll be looking down and smiling right now.”

With Anthony Butt in the cart, Dougs Babe enjoyed the run of the race behind the pacemaker, Tay Tay, before completing a metre-and-a-half win from Tough Tilly.

Story To Tell was 12 metres away third in 1:54.1 over 2240 metres.

“I was pretty happy to see her settle where she did and then it was a typical Ants drive to get her out into space,” Webster said.

“She will have close to a week off now, then go around in a $100,000 mares' race in February.

“She was recently sold to American interests, so it will be up to them whether she stays on for the Ladyship Mile at Menangle a couple of weeks after that or goes to America.”