Queen Dusty played a pivotal role for Liz and Rab McNair, along with the KSS Syndicate, securing a thrilling and last-gasp victory in the Bet365 Puppy Oaks Final at Towcester.
After securing victory with King Memphis in the English Puppy Derby, where the Kent-based couple saw the first four home, it was Queen Dusty, finishing fourth, who emerged triumphant in the bitches-only version for pups. This game effort secured gold in the GBGB Category One annual, a final worth £10,000.
Everything appeared to be in favour of Queen Dusty, a January 2022 offspring of King Turbo and Queen Charlotte. Breaking well, much better than her slow start in the semis, she grabbed a qualifying spot with a fast finish. This time, victory seemed well within her reach as she approached leader Deelish Nora down the back, taking up the running.
Appearing to be in pole position, Queen Dusty then swung wide at the final bend, allowing Patrick Janssens-trained Deelish Nora to take the lead again. However, Queen Dusty straightened up, wore down her younger rival, and snatched victory in the shadow of the post with a short-head success in 29.75 seconds (-20).
Third place went to another Janssens runner, La Gitana. However, the day’s success belonged to Queen Dusty, the McNairs, and Brendan Keogh and the KSS Syndicate. Rab McNair, the husband of the winning trainer Liz, expressed his delight.
Rab McNair stated that he thought she’d lost it but said she’s so game and deserved that. He noted her achievements, including being in the Puppy Derby final and the Puppy Collar final at Oxford and the Romford Puppy Cup final. Rab mentioned that Queen Dusty turns two years of age next month, and they’re contemplating stepping her up to 575m at Romford and the (Coral) Essex Vase. He added that it's fantastic for her to win a competition like this, especially considering their busy weekend with runners at Oxford and Hove. Rab pointed out that they got runners through to the finals of both, which is something to be pleased about. He credited Brendan (Keogh) for always saying these pups might be the best they’ve had. Rab highlighted that the Queen Beyonce litter and the Queen Charlotte litter are doing them proud, and Liz deserves credit for her role in whelping them down, nursing them with their mums, and bringing the pups up. Rab concluded by expressing that seeing them do what they’re doing is brilliant and reiterated that it’s why they do it.