When I look back in years to come the 2020 Greyhound Derby will be etched in my mind, not only because of the bizarre circumstances that led to it being pushed back almost 6 months but also because of being part of witnessing a wonderful trainer achieving the triple crown.
Obviously I’m not going to pretend it was a perfect night, the traditional Derby roar was missing, as were the usual jam packed crowds but what we lost in quantity was more than made up for in quality and to that end it was, in my opinion, a great derby.
As an ambassador I always try and do my bit regarding promoting our amazing hounds and I’m very supportive of the many wonderful homing centres who work tirelessly finding the perfect forever home when it’s time for them to hang up their racing jackets, so it was fantastic to be able to do something to help one of them on the back of this years derby.
The very talented and creative Jayne Conway made a set of individually crafted miniatures of the finalists and these were offered for sale to the connections on the night (see main pic).
The comments and feedback were amazing and £340 was raised for Seaside Greyhounds run by the lovely Kevin and Jenny McCormick and I believe some additional orders have been placed, which Jayne has kindly agreed to fulfil so there will be more money added to the pot.
It was obviously heart breaking to see Wolfe sustain an injury in the final but having contacted Michael Moloney (son of owner Marian) I was relieved to hear that he was okay and would be warmly welcomed home. He is a superstar of a dog and I’m sure he would be a huge hit at stud should connections allow him some fun with the ladies.
Each and every dog (and bitch) in the final had earned their place and despite the earlier doom and gloom put out by the usual negative parties it was a line up packed with quality. I had the pleasure of speaking to all owners and trainers in the week leading up to the event and each and every one of them were delighted to make the final. For me, it was a hectic week but one packed with laughs, great humour and spirit from the finalists, I’d especially like to thank Teresa Cahill who literally had me crying with laughter and who wasn’t even phased when I explained that the original recorded video of Seamus and Ricky (joint owner) had hit the cutting room floor. In typical Teresa fashion she hastily arranged ‘selfie’ videos of Seamus and the 3 joint owners (Ricky, Myles & George) which turned out brilliantly well – I even got the added bonus of a fantastic music video of Smurfs Machine – what an absolute joy!
On the night of the final I will admit to being nervous, I always am at finals strangely, even though they aren’t my dogs I still feel a connection and I can’t help but get drawn in to the buzz of the occasion – God knows what I would be like if I ever did have the fortune of owning a derby finalist. When Deerjet Sydney crossed the line I was thrilled for not only Kenny Glen (owner) who appeared to have made a deal with the devil that night having already tasted success with Doolin Duke & Gonzo earlier in the evening but also for Pat and his lovely daughter Emma who is a fantastic ambassador for youngsters getting into the sport.
Pat (Buckley) and I go back many years so I couldn’t wait to congratulate him, he really is an inspiration to any trainer starting out, he seems to have a magic about him that ensures his dogs always run outstandingly well and he truly deserves all of his success. Chatting to daughter Emma earlier in the week, she told me that she had to ‘bring home the prize’ or her brother and sister would forever give her grief as she was the only one not to walk a derby winner – yet! So I was also thrilled for her that she achieved her dream and after seeing all the wonderful comments on social media about her celebratory hug with her dad it just cemented how special a moment this was to witness.
It seems so strange that we may only be 6 months away from the 2021 Derby and to see ante post prices up within a week of the final is surreal. Ben has committed to sponsoring again, so I’m hoping whichever venue secures the event takes him up on that offer as I would love the opportunity to be involved in that dream again. Hopefully we will be on top of this Covid affliction by then to allow us to bring back the crowds to the stadium – and the Derby roar for the 6 lucky finalists.
Next stop for me is the Star Sports Puppy Derby at Towcester, I’m very much looking forward to it – even though at this stage we don’t know if attendance will be allowed, I’m praying we will be present. For me it’s a very exciting end to the year and will hopefully go some way to lifting people’s spirits in the run up to Christmas and to allow us to close this awful year on a high note.
Hoping to see you all there (God willing) and wishing you all a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year if not – stay safe – and keep racing!
