‘A tough mare'

Flourishing trainer Philip Kirby talks to Hannah Lemieux about his Festival hopeful, dealing with setbacks and why his horses work in an outline

- Hannah Lemieux

TEN years ago, a one-monthold foal arrived at the North Yorkshire yard of trainer Philip Kirby alongside her dam, Lady Chapp. Fast-forward a decade, and this bonny youngster has become one of the top National Hunt mares in the country, effortlessly combining good looks with steely determination and toughness.

Lady Buttons has become the yard’s flagbearer since making a winning debut on the racecourse in a Wetherby bumper in 2013 and, with 15 victories now under her belt, the Grade Two and Listed winner heads to the Cheltenham Festival in a bid to claim a first Grade One for herself and her trainer.

With entries in both the Close Brothers Hurdle and the Queen Mother Champion Chase, the “Queen of the North” — as she’s affectionately known — is equally comfortable over fences as she is on the hurdles course.

“Lady Buttons has been with us from the start and her work has always been very good; she was always above average and better than other three-year-olds in the yard,” says Philip of the daughter of Beneficial, who is owned by her breeders, Jayne and Keith Sivills. “She is a very straightforward horse to train, relaxed and talented, who loves her work and does as little or as much as is required.”

Philip adds that she is clever and can adapt easily, is quick over a hurdle yet impressively scopey when it comes to jumping a chase fence.

“Jumping is her strong point, which is why she is entered for the Champion Chase,” says Philip, who will decide which she runs in nearer the time. “We’ve always thought she’s a better chaser than hurdler because her jumping is so brilliant, but the more winnable opportunities for her have come from hurdling.”

Lady Buttons has moved three times with Team Kirby and the newest set-up is a purpose-built racing yard, a stone’s throw from the A1 in the village of East Appleton.