Eden The Kid became the first ever runner to break 28 second for 480 metres at Wimbledon when setting a new track record in the last session of first round heats in the William Hill Greyhound Derby on Saturday writes Jason Craddock.
Last year’s runner-up Droopys Ward is also safely through to the next round after winning in 28.30sec and Droopys Nidge also impressed winning heat 47 in 28.18sec.
Eden The Kid was a very impressive winner in the opening qualifier. Liz McNair’s runner flew out of the boxes and pulled right away from Westmead Alexis and went on to score by seven and a half lengths in 27.95sec.
Rab McNair said afterwards: “He’s only has five or six races and did it well.”
Viking Jack was a facile winner of the second qualifier. Jim Hayton’s runner flew out of the boxes and turned the bend in front of Bubbly Zeus. He pulled right away with every stride, eventually scoring by six and a half lengths in 28.33sec.
Leamaneigh Turbo was another trap to line winner of the third qualifier to give Liz McNair a quick double. The veteran runner flew out and was soon well clear, eventually beating Tynwald Bish by three and a half lengths in 28.21sec.
Rab McNair said: “He’s as fresh as a daisy after a winter rest and did it well tonight.
Wotnofiz came from off the pace to land heat 39. The favourite Kentish Man was the first to show and led until challenged at the third turn by Northern Puppy Derby winner Kneejerkreaction. He went on again but Heather Dimmock’s Wotnofiz came around the outside to get up close home and score by a neck in 28.91sec.
Headman Mick Pacey said: “He used his brain to get past the pack around the third turn. I just hope he keeps getting trap six.”
Irish Derby finalist Vulturi was eliminated in heat 40, which was won impressively by Boyneside Fun. Charlie Lister’s runner was out and gone and went on to slam Ballymac Cathal by almost eight lengths in 28.38sec.Vulturi flew from the third turn by failed by neck to qualify
Assistant trainer Ian Sutherland said afterwards: “That was his first proper four bend race and he did it well. That’s three through to the next round.”
Ballymac Loch justified market confidence in heat 41. Jason Heath’s runner led from the opening turn and although the favourite Baliff Hubert came out of the pack to go second on the far side, Ballymac Loch had plenty in hand to score by five lengths in 28.61sec.
Heath said: “The dog has got stronger since last year and did it well.”
Last year’s runner-up Droopys Ward rode an early bump to land heat 42. Paul Young’s runner was third after the opening bend rive lengths adrift but reeled in the leader Fire Height Tosh to lead close home and score by a length and a half in 28.30sec.
Assistant trainer Mim Emment said afterwards: “It was a great performance. He loves Wimbledon and can’t wait for the next round.”
Badmoonrising was a trap to line winner of heat 43. Norah McEllistrim’s runner was completing a Wimbledon treble after coming home just over a length clear of Kentish Kane in 28.42sec.
A kennel spokesman said: “He couldn’t come out any better and given a bit of luck can go a long way.”
King Alley was a third winner for Liz McNair when landing the 44th qualifier. The son of Droopys Scolari flew out of the boxes and was soon well clear. He eventually beat a running on Blonde Nipper, who had a bumpy ride on the first turn, by almost four lengths in 28.54sec.
Rab McNair said afterwards: “It’s been a great night. Many of the dogs had most of the winter off and hopefully they can keep it going.”
Irish Puppy Derby winner Quietly landed heat 45. Ian Reilly’s runner went clear from the turn and was some four lengths in front at the bottom bend. However his stride started to shorten coming home and he just held off the later challenge of Geelo Vegas by a length and a half in 28.54sec.
A kennel spokesman said: “That was only his second time around the track so he can only improve.”
Affane Scolari was a surprise all the way winner of heat 46. John Lambe’s runner was never troubled and went on to beat Southfield Blue by just over two lengths in 28.49sec.
Paul Barrett, kennelhand to John Lambe said: “If he leads he’s hard to beat, but he must lead.”
Droopys Nidge was very impressive in heat 47. Matt Dartnall’s ex-Irish Star came away on terms and made the bend in front. From there he just pulled away with every stride, eventually beating Jet Stream Sound by almost six lengths in 28.18sec.
Save The Don was almost as impressive in heat 48. Fraser Black’s Scottish Derby finalist led from the opening turn to spread-eagle the field, eventually beating Roxholme Kid.
Black said: “He’s done well considering he’s only had a couple of sprints since Scotland.”
