JUVENILE winner Ballymac Brogan and last year’s third Crokers Champ were the main casualties in the first session of first round heats of the William Hill Greyhound Derby over 480 metres at Wimbledon on Wednesday.
In contrast impressive wins for Lenson Sanchez and Newinn Yolo saw them cut in the betting for outright victory.
Pat Buckley had a 1-2 in the opening heat when Lenson Sanchez beat kennelmate Paradise Maverik.
Jason Heath’s Boom Boom Hero held a clear lead down the far side but was swamped close home and Lenson Sanchez got up to repel the fast finishing Paradise Maverick by a short head in 28.17sec.
Pat’s daughter Sarah said afterwards: “It was great to get two through, especially after the starts they made.”
Last year’s third Crokers Champ and Derby Plate winner Droopys Norris were eliminated from the competition in heat two.
Crokers Champ led but was running on empty around the top two bends as Rio Quattro flew past and went on to beat Arc finalist Loughteen Eoin by a 28.57sec.
Kennelhand Barbara Sealy said afterwards: “He’s class dog; it’s a good job he didn’t come out!”
Easter Cup runner-up Slippery Fred was eliminated from the third qualifier. Larry Dunne’s runner, who trialled badly last week, never took part in the race after a slow start. The race went to June McCombe’s Aclamon Messi, who made all to hold Magical Charles by almost three lengths in 28.32sec.
McCombe said afterwards: “He’s had his setbacks but it’s good to see him back to what he was last year.”
Juvenile winner Ballymac Brogan was a shock elimination from heat four. Seamus Cahill’s runner led but the writing was already on the wall when Newinn Yolo turned a close second. Newinn Yolo hit the front off the third turn; meanwhile a closing Conna Trigger came together with Ballymac Brogan and did each other no favours. It was left to Teejays Panther to chase home the winner, who scored by almost three lengths in 28.19sec.
Rosney said afterwards: “It was good to get the first round out of the way. He strong over this trip and was always going to win when he turned in that position.
Leading Irish fancy Farloe Blitz never gave his supporters a moment’s worry when he made all to land the fifth qualifier. Owen McKenna’s runner was chased home by Golden Crest runner-up who gained slightly at the finish to be beaten a length and a half in 28.21sec.
McKenna said afterwards: “He didn’t ping but ran well and got this tricky step out of the way.”
King Dec landed a scrappy heat six. The 2014 Arc winner missed the kick along with 2014 Monmore Puppy Derby winner Farloe Nutter and were involved in first bend trouble. Lughil Max led down the far side but King Dec managed to go past on the last turn and hold off Farloe Nutter by a length and a half in 28.83sec.
Rab McNair said afterwards: “There have been some great dogs knocked out tonight so it’s great to get through.”
Jaytee Jet produced one of the performances of the night to land heat seven. Paul Hennessy’s runner walked out of the traps and was stone last at the turn. The field bunched but strong running Vanfrankie was left some four lengths clear; however the Hennessy powerhouse tore down the far side and got up near the line to score by half a length in 28.68sec.
Hennessy’s son Kevin said: “The dog has lot of ability but needs more experience as he’s only a raw pup.”
Lenson Premier made most of the running to land heat eight. Tony Collett’s runner was challenged to the turn by Coolavanny Gooch but went clear and came home almost six lengths clear of that rival in 28.57sec.
Collett said afterwards: “It was a hard heat but I hope this cheers up Lenny [Ponder, who is in hospital]. He’s still a novice but improving.”
Bellmore Neymar made his rails draw count to land heat nine. Craig Kelly’s runner disputed the lead to the turn with On Alert but went on at this point to hold the renewed challenge of that rival by half a length in 28.49sec.
Kelly said afterwards: “He’s got great early pace but can trap much better than that. It’s great to get through.”
Ring Ben mad a successful UK debut for Matt Dartnall in heat 10. The Scolari Me Daddy dog led on the run-up and pulled well clear. He eventually beat the running on Diego Flight by just over four lengths in 28.70sec.
Dartnall said afterwards: “He showed great early pace and looks an ideal Wimbledon dog.”
