Ahead of the Boylesports Irish Derby quarter-finals on Saturday night, master trainer Liam Dowling spoke to the sponsors Boylesports. The latest Irish Greyhound Derby odds are live on the Boylesports site, both for the four quarter-final heats as well as the outright betting.
The biggest competition in the world?
“Everybody wants to have a dog that is good enough to go and compete in the Irish Greyhound Derby and getting to the closing stages is a massive achievement.
“This is the pinnacle of our sport – the Derby here and the Derby across the water – everyone wants to have a dog good enough for that.
“Without a doubt it’s the pinnacle. The English weren’t coming over a lot but they are now and they have some great dogs. I think they will have a fair claim before this Derby is over. It is great to see them coming over, it is all part of the sport.”
Boylesports sponsorship of the Irish Greyhound Derby
“John Boyle is a fantastic man for his sponsorship of the Derby. You get probably a couple hundred of the best dogs around to compete but it is probably more of a margin, it is not won in the first or second round. We are down to the quarter-finals now, the quality is there for everyone to see and if I were a betting man, I couldn’t pick a winner. There are probably six dogs at least in with a shout.”
A chance of 2024 Boylesports Irish Derby glory?
“Not the way they are running right now! I’ll be honest, I can’t see one of them winning at this stage but we are only halfway there.
“Some dogs will go into it and just ready to go whereas others are low key and building fitness as they go, each dog has his own trait. Athletes are all different as well so it is similar to greyhounds, it depends what nick they are in. It is key they are injury free for six weeks.
“We have just two left now in the Derby. You’re down to 24, anything can happen at this stage but if the big guns keep running the way they are running, it’ll be hard to beat them but then again, it depends on where your dog is in terms of fitness.
“It is hard enough to keep your dog right for three or four weeks but five or six is very tough. Each dog is different. There are a lot of factors behind it like any other sport.”
Training for a six-week competition
“Most dogs that go in would be reasonably fit but you want to peak them for the last week, though it doesn’t always work like that. They just need to stay injury free and to be fair to the tracks they are in super condition.
“The only problem this year is that the competition is a bit later than usual. We live in a pretty wet country in Ireland, we get plenty of rain so, between this and the three weeks that are left, we need to avoid the rain. It’ll be a tremendous race if the weather holds up.”
Improvements in welfare
“Welfare in our sport has completely changed and improved beyond recognition in recent years, just like in horse racing. Welfare isn’t an issue any more, you are welcome to go to any kennel and watch the preparations for these dogs – it is second to none really.
“The sport is in a good place, a great position. We get great coverage, they are broadcasting the semis and final on national television. Listen, you go to the track and you will see the enjoyment it brings to people. Obviously it is close to my heart but ask anyone that goes to these places and hope they enjoy the night.”
Remarkable longevity in greyhound racing
“Well, I’d say my career is coming to a close if I am being honest! I grew up with these animals so it was in the blood – the sport will only go from strength to strength, it is great to see some young trainers coming into the game, they are great ambassadors for the sport.
“In every county and town and beyond, and in the UK too, they are tremendous people. The care they give to their dogs is second to none, it is tremendous to see it and people should go and enjoy the sport.”
