MEMORIES of one of harness racing’s missed characters came to the fore during the weekend.
In an extended interstate stint, Dougs Babe registered at fitting win at Globe Derby on Saturday night.
Prepared by Geoff Webster, Dougs Babe was bred by the horseman’s later brother Doug, with the duo originating from South Australia.
Affectionately-known as Slug, Doug died in March 2018 at the age of 61.
The fact Doug survived beyond childhood is testament to his strength and knack of overcoming obstacles according to Webster.
“His tenacity 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.
“The ramifications are that his body did things a bit slower than the rest of us.”
Just like her namesake, Dougs Babe showed an abundance of intestinal fortitude during her latest performance.
In what was an inspirational pairing, the daughter of Western Terror was partnered by Dani Hill, who has overcome several high profile injuries to remain the state’s top driver.
After occupying the ‘death seat’, Dougs Babe bullocked her way to a 22-and-a-half metre win from the pacemaker, Stratofortress.
Rocknroll Yankee was 16 metres away third.
Rating a slick 1:54.5 over 1800 metres, the three-year-old’s time was only six-tenths of a second outside Mark Dennis’ track record set in September 2016.
“I sent her over for the Oaks last week and decided to keep her there until next week as there is another suitable race for her,” Webster said.
“She’s a pretty nice filly which is raced by the Ballarat Club Syndicate and it was sentimental to have her win in South Australia for Doug.”
