STEPHEN Lanigan-O’Keeffe is featuring prominently in this week’s paper, and you can read more about him on page 89. Together with Devon-based Rowena Cotton, he bred last weekend’s Grade 1 Ladbrokes Champion Chase winner The Storyteller, and what an interesting back story this son of Shantou (Alleged) has.

Nearly three decades ago Stephen purchased Betty’s Girl (Menelek) from Hugh Williams. A point-to-point winner who had gone on to win two chases in England, she was a consistent mare who was also placed many times, including in bumpers and over hurdles. A half-sister to a useful chaser in Ballysheehan (Ragapan), her new owner’s intention was to breed eventers from her.