BILLY Roche (44), aka The Red Baron, is the modest and unassuming brain behind the successful stable based at Newtown Stud, near Dublin airport. The licence is held by Billy’s father-in-law Joe Gannon. The yard is a real gambling stable. The company policy is that handicap marks are a minor inconvenience, which must be circumnavigated.

Billy had a decent year in 2025, driving 11 winners in Ireland with a couple of nice touches in the UK.

“Little Puffin (Always Be Puffin) winning two out of three in England and the final leg of the three-year-old series was a highlight,” stated Billy.

“The same filly winning the Liam Wallace Future Stars Trophy for my nephew John Boy was also very rewarding. We sold her to America and she has done well over there.”

Billy was anxious to mention John Paul O’Ceallaighain, his son Jake and Billy’s own nephew John Junior (John Boy in the race reports). “The boys do a great job at home. Young Jake looks after the horses so well.” The Red Baron mentioned six horses from his arsenal for 2026.

Oakwood Diana (Ire)

2yo f Foreclosure - Oakwood Destiny

John Roche, Joe Gannon, Myles Connors and Pat McCarthy own her. We did well with Always B Puffin and Churchview Miaow, so fingers crossed. She has a sister that paced 1.59 in Britain at two. She has trained down well and should debut in late June.

Churchview Rusty (Ire)

3yo g Cattlewash - Scappa Hanover

We raced him in the North Wales championship at two, where he was a decent second. He’s entered in all the big stakes. He’d have a bite at you, but if he’s decent we’ll put up with that.

Churchview Saka (Ire)

4yo g Always B Miki - Kikis Girl

A big, gangly horse at 16.3hh. He’s been in and out and we think its because he was constantly growing. So we’ve given him time. Maybe this year he will earn his keep.

Hope De Guinette (Fr)

9yo g Opium - Tina De Guinete

I’ve very few trotters this year, and I used to have loads. He is a decent racehorse, although he’ll be chasing around Harry Knows. Graal Du Dollar is also a lovely horse. He won three or four in 2025 and we’ll take our chance again.

Reuben Camden (GB)

3yo g Art Professor - Fast And Feisty

He is owned by William Barrow of Cork. He’ll qualify this weekend and will go to all the big dances. Art Professor has left nice stock.