OAKS CHAMP SHIVOO SOLD AND UK BOUND

Ian Fortune

It was only after Saturday’s Sporting Press Online Edition Irish Oaks that news came out that Crafty Shivoo had actually changed hands earlier in the competition.

It transpires that the MWD Partnership, who have been buying some very talented greyhounds in recent months, stepped in and purchased the daughter of Droopys Sydney and Ballymac Sanjose after the second round.

It was clearly an inspired purchase as she is now a classic winner, less than three weeks after coming under their umbrella. Mike Davis, Michelle Connolly and Mark Wallis were all on hand on Saturday to accept the trophy and Peter Divilly suggested the new owners have another Oaks victory in their sights with the UK equivalent the likely long-term target.

Speaking to Jonathan Kay of the Racing Post, Peter said, “We’d be better known as a coursing kennel and only have a small racing operation, three at the moment. I wouldn’t say she pinged but she certainly showed some early and, while being part of the camp means you’re never confident, it would have been some run to come from behind in 28.14.

“I said before the draw that if she got one she'd win and it definitely played a big part in such a high-class race"

And of the deal with the MWD Partnership and what was the likely target, Peter went on to say, "It was all done after the second round but agreed that she'd stay with us for the competition.

"It was great that Mike, Michelle and Mark were all there on the night and the understanding is that they're going to target get the English Oaks with her, which would be some double!"

It’s a real shame that Crafty Shivoo will be leaving Irish soil but we wish her new connections the very best of luck. They have a serious prospect on their hands and there is no knowing just how good she can become.