Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium was the stage for two thrilling nights of top-class racing at the weekend as the second round of the BOYLE Sports Irish Greyhound Derby lit up the weekend with blistering performances, surprise finishes, and the defending champion re-asserting his credentials.
Friday’s opening session saw defending champion Bockos Diamond bounce back in style, posting the fastest time of the night (29.40) with a polished display in Heat 4. Magical Mag(29.42) trained by Pat Guilfoyle and Cheap Sandwiches (29.49) also impressed with strong front-running victories, while Shanahee Boomer, Coosane Pickles, Sallagh Curly, Solo And Go and Cheque For Cash all booked their places in the next stage with eye-catching performances.
Saturday’s card, run in testing windy and wet conditions, was headlined by a sensational display from Bombay Pat, who stormed home in Heat 9 with a blistering 29.17, the fastest time of this year’s Derby so far. The Graham Holland-trained star, who also went fastest in the opening round, has now been installed as 5-1 joint favourite with sponsors BOYLE Sports for outright honours.
Other standout victories across the second night included:
Glengar Silent storming to victory in 29.48, underlining his growing reputation.
Toolmaker King producing a regal 29.43 run to keep his Derby hopes very much alive.
Paul Hennessy’s kennel enjoying a double with the powerful Priceless Romeo (29.63) and the sharp Barefoot On Song (29.90).
Westway Rossa (29.61) and Magical Keith (29.69) impressing with decisive front-running efforts.
With 16 heats now completed, the stage is set for a pulsating third round as the field continues to narrow and the competition intensifies.
Speaking after Saturday’s action, Derek Frehill, GRI Director of Racing commented, “This weekend’s second round produced everything we love about the Irish Greyhound Derby, speed, drama, and rising stars stepping into the spotlight. Bombay Pat’s run was electric, but with the defending champion Bockos Diamond back in business and so many others showing strong form, this Derby is shaping up to be a classic.”
The BOYLE Sports Irish Greyhound Derby continues this weekend at Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium with the third round, as the country’s fastest greyhounds battle for a place in the quarter-finals of Ireland’s most prestigious greyhound racing competition.
Gates open at 6.00pm and this week post-race entertainment will feature live music from CEOL
