The Derby so far. . .
Before a dog had gone to traps for the opening round of the Star Sports/TRC Greyhound Derby got underway, we produced a reminder of the 2023 equivalent and noted the powerful early presence of the Irish runners.
And the lesson was brought home from the very first heat won by Paul Hennessy’s Jaytee Etienne. By the end of the round, the 51 raiders had achieved an almost 1:3 strike rate with 16 of the 31 heats.
THURSDAY
DE LAHDEDAH clocks a fastest of night 28.78 Photo: © Steve Nash
De Lahdehah was the star of the opening round for Liam Dowling. With just one win in his previous eight races and a 29.38 trial just eight days earlier mattered for little as the 35 kilo black showed some of his 27.78 Shelbourne form with a 28.78 run. Five of the ten heat winners broke 29.00 on the night.
Irish Derby winner The Other Kobe looks capable of making more return visits though the story was as positive for another veteran, Signet Goofy who became the most high profile eliminated runner on the night.
FRIDAY
KING MEMPHIS leads at the first bend on his way to equalling the 28.58 track record Photo: © Steve Nash
Friday belonged to Graham Holland . . .and King Memphis.
Home bred Memphis clocked 29.58 on his first look at the Towcester circuit in June last year. Eleven months on and he found precisely a full second to equal Droopys Clue’s track record.
It was just the tonic that the kennel needed after Derby favourite Queen Joni was eliminated in the first race of the night. It brought an end to a nine race winnning sequence.
But it was also an excellent night for the Holland kennel who sent out half of the ten heat winners which included last year’s beaten favourite Swords Rex.
There were also slick wins for Pat Buckley’s Antigua Hawk (28.81) and John McGee’s Hawkfield Blue (28.82).
SATURDAY
Any doubts about who was Derby winning trainer Patrick Janssens’ first string were emphatically answered by Barntick Bear who was just 10 spots outside the clock when winning Saturday’s fastest qualifier.
Though he will surely need to find a bit more early to compete in the latter stages.
That won’t be a problem for Glengar Martha who produced a stunning 3.90 sectional on her way to a 28.75 run.
The final race of the round, heat 31, was billed to be a cracker with four faniced runners in the line-up. It went in impressive style to King Combs who gave a start and beating to Superfast Gorden. Pat Buckley’s runner will no doubt come on for the race, though Combs’ could be something special when that long awaited switch to six bends takes place.
Sadly Links Maverick appeared to go lame.
