One year on and a new set of traps, many punters might be questioning the time comparisons between the 2022 and 2023 Star Sports & TRC English Derbys, particularly following Sunday’s track record breaking run by Swords Rex.
Well in terms of the sectionals times, there definitely seems to be a difference. The explanation of this is actually quite simple, if a little counter-intuitive. The quicker the traps rise, the slower the times will appear. This is because the clock is set in motion sooner, normally at a point where the front of the traps reach the horizontal. The tell-tale sign of slow traps is dogs appearing before they are fully open. However, any adjustment of the timer activation mechanism will affect the ultimate winning and sectional time.
If we go back to last year, Derby winner Romeo Magico’s quickest sectional was in the final (4.23), following 4.27 and 4.26 in qualifiers. The quickest breaker in the decider, Kildare, did a 4.17 and in one power packed start earlier in the competition had a best of 4.12.
The brilliant Ballinabola Ed had a best of 4.14 and while Priceless Jet wouldn’t normally be considered the quickest away, on the night he set the 500m track record, he positively buzzed away in 4.12. You get the idea!
On Sunday, Swords Rex produced a stunning 3.96 sectional. With the best will in the world, no hound is going to lead a trap bursting Kildare by two lengths in the first 58 metres.
While Rex’s split was good, Bellmore Cricket did a 4.00, Bends Lad (4.03), Frosties Fella (4.07), Havana Bale Out (4.08) etc etc.
Racing Manager Andy Lisemore said: “I haven’t carried out a survey but I reckon the new sectionals are maybe 17/18 spots quicker.”
That faster sectional must, by definition then, feed into faster winning times, a fact backed up by various trial sessions, notably Tuesday morning’s!
Halfway sectionals are sponsored by Star Sports
But when it comes to the halfway sectional, Mark Pierrepont’s digitally calculated times are holding up compared to last year. This is probably because his timer activates closer to the traps being fully open.
So how does Swords Rex’s ‘halfway’ time compare to last year?
Well, in last year’s final, Romeo Magico clocked his quickest of the competition, 15.51, set against his two previous races, each clocked at 15.53. The gain was due to the slightly quicker sectional. Incredible consistency!
Kildare recorded 15.55 in the final. Priceless Jet’s quickest was in the early section of his track record breaking run where he produced a 15.52.
Lautaro’s first round track record came off a 15.54 ‘halfway’ while Ballinabola Ed’s 4.14 third round sectional converted to a 15.57 at halfway.
Mark will continue to produce his ‘to halfway’ and ‘from halfway’ times throughout this year’s event.
