RAY’S BIRD IN THE BAND

The Danbird double is certainly welcome news to small, but avid breeder, Ray Nicholson, whose Eagle Eyed mare Devastate produced a cracking colt by Danbird at the end of November.
It’s certainly gives new means to inbreeding given that Danbird is a son of Danehill, while Eagle Eyed is Danehill’s full brother.
But that’s not all: Devastate’s 2nd dam, Dame Margot is a full sister to Devastate’s grandsire, Danzig (Northern Dancer – Pas de Nom).
All up, Natalma (Northern Dancer’s dam) appears no less than five times in the fifth line of betting … through a son, daughter, son, daughter, son.
Astutely, Ray picked up Devastate – who won one of 15 and was four times placed – for just $500 at the 2007 Australian Easter Broodmare Sale.
But that’s not necessarily the story – albeit an interesting one.
Doing some research on Danbird, Ray has notified us of an American singer – all the way from Nashville – called Dan Bird. Now, while Dan Bird can belt out a decent tune (you can hear for yourself by visiting www.danbirdband.com) and is not bad looking as far as blokes go, we’re tipping that he hasn’t been as ‘busy’ as Danbird over the past couple of years.