BILLY Roche the tall ‘Red Baron’ of Cloghran, Dublin, was his usual unassuming, open, self when contacted for five to follow.

Billy’s father Paul fiddled in a small hobby sort of way with a few horses in the 80s but is fair to say Billy’s is a self-made success story.

He may not have won as many races as John Richardson, he has not been associated with great stallions as did Alan Wallace, but judging by the cheers of the crowd, he was the most popular driver at Portmarnock.

A sizeable number of owners, backers, cousins and nieces would cry out ‘’come on Billy!’’ as his lanky frame crept into contention in a race.

The winner’s circle photos were always chaotic, with even the guy who cycled past the yard on Tuesday invited into the shot.

“The high points of 2023 were Buliano winning five or six and my young nephew John Boy winning a nice race aboard One Cool Touch at the final meeting,” commented Billy. “Give Joe Gannon a mention, he is the trainer,’’ although the sense is that Billy calls the shots.

Better bred

“I am really looking forwards to the 2023 season (due to commence April 30th at Annaghmore) as I have better bred young stock than in recent years.

“I’m delighted to have a couple for the Duggans from Tyrone, we had a great winning run with SJ’s Wildcat for them a few years back.”

Billy intends to race the trotters Buliano and Devoir Math although they are both approaching veteran status. The trainer rents a barn at Newtown Stud and grew up at nearby The Baskin.

“I am lucky to have Cyril Gammell as an owner – his Isabella Greggane is no world beater, but she still picked up nice prize money.

“Karl Mitchell is a great supporter too.”

A horse’s handicap is only a temporary inconvenience which must be circumvented in the Roche approach.

The few bookies who work harness racing will watch these five with interest as The Red Baron is lethal when the money is down.

Churchview Iridessa (USA)

2yo f Well Said – Bubby Joe

Unfortunately, I have three two-year-old fillies who could all end up in together. The breeder David O’Sullivan has produced some nice stock. She is quite well put together. She was a bit tricky to get going.

Always Be Puffin (Ire)

2yo Always be Mikki – Hufflepuff

She was at York Sale and did not sell in the ring as she was a bit small. We bought her privately afterwards. These Always B Mikis are pacing very naturally.

They are all entered in the major races. My brother John owns a share, he will be wearing Hugo Boss as always at the races.

Third Time Lucky

2yo (Ire) Always B Miki – Coalford Silk

The Duggans own her. I had the dam for them, a big strong mare, useful on a grass track. She’s doing everything right. We’ll start training them in groups shortly.

Priceless

3yo (Ire) Sweet Lou – Coalford Silk

Of course, she has a bit of white about her face. Simon Duggan had her down to qualifying speed last year and then we knocked her off as she was still growing. She is a fine big filly who goes close to the ground like her mum.

Coalford Danceman

3yo g (USA) Rock n Roll Dance – Well Sweet Flashy

The dam is a three-quarter sister to Captain Crunch. We bought him mid-season last year and maybe we should have learned more about him before we raced him. He has strengthened up and is training well.

CAVAN-based trainer Bernard Nicholson confirmed during the week that Churchview Frankel, a winner of 24 races has been sold for a considerable price privately.

He will go to the massive Ron Burke stable, which already jogs 300 standardbreds at multiple locations in America.

A 1.58 performer at two, Churchview Frankel has better form than The Gypsy Queen and Oakwood Cowboy who have both won several races recently in the US.

With a bit of luck, the son of Foreclosure out of Lyons Flum could put Charleville, his place of birth on the map.