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'The spine shivers that bit more when it's Lady Buttons than Benie Des Dieux'
Maddy Playle on a mare who epitomises everything that is special about racing
Psychologists argue the reason we are so compelled to support the underdog is because we derive more pleasure from unexpected successes than anticipated ones.
Like the majority of thoroughbreds, Lady Buttons was never likely to ascend to greatness. For new owner-breeders Keith and Jayne Sivills, the odds were stacked firmly against them from the moment their unraced mare Lady Chapp gave birth to a filly by Beneficial ten years ago.
Despite that, Lady Buttons has climbed the ranks and last weekend she won her second Grade 2, motoring into contention with her usual enthusiasm before the turbo kicked in on the run for home as she took her record to 15 wins from 32 starts since her debut at Wetherby more than six years ago.
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