“They were the only people who cheered at the trap draw”
Luke Tarr summed up a superb front running performance from Priceless Blake (6-1) who led home an Irish 1-2-3 in the final of the 2019 Star Sports/ARC/LPS Greyhound Derby Final at Nottingham on Saturday night – writes Floyd Amphlett.
It seems unlikely that anyone reading this piece will not have seen the race itself but here is a reminder:
PRICELESS BLAKE (t3) leads early (4.90 his fastest sectional of the competition) in the Derby Final from Droopys Expert (t5) and partly hidden Magical Bale (t1). Also pictured from L-R: Clonbrien Prince (t6), Skywalker Logan (t4 last early ran on well for third), and Ballymac Tas (t2 and impressive runner up).Photo: © Steve Nash
Susan Hennessy hugs son Kevin after landing the Derby with Priceless Blake. Photo: © Steve Nash
It was by any standards a thoroughly professional performance by both greyhound and trainer. The Paul Hennessy trained black had gone into the decider with three consistent victories: 29.52, 29.41 and 29.49 and – in the cold light of day may not have even made the final had Dorotas Wildcat not gone lame when well placed in the semi finals.
But that takes not a shred of merit away from the dog who wasn’t even the kennel’s number one string, as was summed up in a memorable and gracious speech at the Derby draw by Susan Hennessy who confessed to the “pride and honour” of having any greyhound through to the final.
When the race is recalled, it will be that Priceless Blake brought his ‘A game’ to the final. His sectional was 4.90. his previous best was 4.97. His previous best time to halfway was 14.79 (twice). In the final he produced a 14.64 run (a time only Magical Bale bettered with the quickest of the entire Derby – 14.55) and although his 14.68 ‘halfway to line’ run was not quite the quickest, all six races were within 11 spots.
There was a fine run too by Ballymac Tas who became the first female Derby runner-up since Call Me Baby in 2002.
As for the rest, Skywalker Logan, beaten just three quarters of a length, showed why he is one of the best 600 yard runners on either side of the Irish Sea.
Magical Bale was completely kiboshed by the draw. His 4.96 split was closer to his worst (5.00) than his best (4.88), though had he been any closer at the bend, he would have probably put himself and Priceless Blake halfway across the track. As it was, he collected Droopys Expert. The disappointment of the race was Clonbrien Prince who walked away and was never a factor.
Priceless Blake’s owner Bryan Murphy lifts the Derby trophy joined by his wife Kathleen and the Hennessy family – Paul standing next to daughter Sarah, crouching at front are (L-R) Susan, Rachel, Grace and Kevin. Photo: © Steve Nash
PRICELESS BLAKE with Susan Hennessy Photo: © Steve Nash
