Desiree Devere is continuing a greyhound dynasty which had its genesis in 2008.
It was established by Daniel Pell and his mother, Bev, when they bought Desiree Devere’s grandmother – Bubbles Devere – as a three-month-old pup.
And Desiree Devere will be racing in memory of Bubbles Devere in the Shepparton Matchmakers final (450m) on Saturday night.
Both are named after characters from cult British sketch comedy Little Britain, but Bubbles Devere, who became a family pet, passed away unexpectedly on her couch last week aged 12.
“It was devastating as she meant the world to us,” Pell said. “Once she moved inside the house, I didn’t have the heart to put her back out in her kennel. In fact, she whelped her last three litters in the lounge-room.”
Pell added that Bubbles Devere was their foundation brood matron and had six litters.
“It was a shock and extremely emotional,” he said. “Her final resting place is under a tree next to her son, Bing Gordyn.”
Pell said emotions would be running high if Desiree Devere takes home the $10,000 first prize.
“She’s really put it together at her last five starts… She’s come out running,” he said. “You have to take on the better dogs to become a better dog.”
Pell added: “It’s a very open race, I think Rodney Clark’s pair – Aston Lopez (Box 7) and Oriental Jade (Box 3) – are the main dangers, but there’s five genuine chances.”
Desiree Devere (Box 6) is quoted at $6.00 and Pell said “she’s each-way all day”.
A finalist in last year’s Group 2 Laurels at Sandown, Desiree Devere has won five races from 18 starts.
She won at The Meadows in 30.03sec (Best) on Wednesday. And during the recent Australian Cup Carnival, she took out a Cup Preliminary (525m) in 29.92sec (Best) – quicker on the night than champion Whiskey Riot in the Group 1 Temlee.
