BETDAQ’s Sarah Kinsella gives us the lowdown on all the went on in the Final round of the Irish Greyhound Derby in Shelbourne Park.

The crowds entered in their droves Saturday night as the gates opened at 16:30 for the final of the Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby and man was it a night to remember!!! I got my hair and nails done, threw on my new frock and headed to Shelbourne Park for what was going to be a fun packed and memorable night. I was working in Leopardstown Racecourse during the day as the Champions weekend was on so it was a mad rush for me to get from there to Shelbourne in time for the big race but as I always mention, my trusty little Micra Nellie got me there on time (broke a few speed limits though, had to be done!!) When I stepped on the track to walk over to the stadium I was greeted with a massive crowd, the stands were bursting with people,you couldn’t swing a cat, it was like Hill 16 on a Dublin match day! It’s fantastic to see that so many greyhound fans and followers attend this classic each year with no sign of figures dropping! Hooray!! I mean this is what it’s all about, the buzz, the competitiveness, high standard of greyhound racing, and it’s up to us to make sure that the thrill we are getting out of this now remains in Shelbourne Park for our children and grandchildren and so on. It’s our duty.

The build up to the race itself was exciting to say the least. After the 7th race, I got my place on the stand beside all the regulars and watched the six finalists parade. They were all looking super, and not a nervous handler in sight…What does be going through their minds for those few minutes as they approach the traps, the rush must be amazing, the adrenaline, the anxiousness and the fear of hoping he will get home safe and dodge any happenings at the first bend. I hope I get to experience it some day with a dog of my own but until then I will just have to look forward to it. I fancied Laughil Blake to win, it was going to be easy I thought. The hare was coming towards the 550 traps, the dogs waiting patiently for their departure, punters frantically rushing at the last second to get their bets on and I stood their and absorbed everything that was going on and then in the blink of an eye the trap doors were released and the 2014 Derby race was on. It was a cracking run up to the first bend but once Laughil Blake hit the front it was all over. He won by two lengths from Tyrur Sugar Ray and another length back to Ballymac Vic. The time was 29.50 and there was nothing disappointing about this years Derby final. Up the back straight Ballymac Vic looks like he might of been able to pass Laughil Blake but he just didn’t have the pace. It ticked all the boxes and done exactly what it says on the tin! Fun times were had by many after the big race and the downstairs bar was flooded until well after the last race. Everyone was there, having the craic and talking about the next move which was the Dandelion of course!! The cherry on top if you like!

The build up to the race itself was exciting to say the least. After the 7th race, I got my place on the stand beside all the regulars and watched the six finalists parade. They were all looking super, and not a nervous handler in sight…What does be going through their minds for those few minutes as they approach the traps, the rush must be amazing, the adrenaline, the anxiousness and the fear of hoping he will get home safe and dodge any happenings at the first bend. I hope I get to experience it some day with a dog of my own but until then I will just have to look forward to it. I fancied Laughil Blake to win, it was going to be easy I thought. The hare was coming towards the 550 traps, the dogs waiting patiently for their departure, punters frantically rushing at the last second to get their bets on and I stood their and absorbed everything that was going on and then in the blink of an eye the trap doors were released and the 2014 Derby race was on. It was a cracking run up to the first bend but once Laughil Blake hit the front it was all over. He won by two lengths from Tyrur Sugar Ray and another length back to Ballymac Vic. The time was 29.50 and there was nothing disappointing about this years Derby final. Up the back straight Ballymac Vic looks like he might of been able to pass Laughil Blake but he just didn’t have the pace. It ticked all the boxes and done exactly what it says on the tin! Fun times were had by many after the big race and the downstairs bar was flooded until well after the last race. Everyone was there, having the craic and talking about the next move which was the Dandelion of course!! The cherry on top if you like!

Much to my dismay I didn’t actually make it to the Dandelion after racing as I had to work the next day (dedication, I know) so unfortunately I don’t have any stories to share with you and I can’t tell you who made a show o themselves on the dance floor or what new romance has sparked up but I can tell you that I missed a great after party as the feedback I received was all good. Next year I am not missing out!!

Now, as I am writing this, I am sitting on my temporary bed in Listowel as I am down here working for the week for Ladbrokes so apologies for the delay in preparing my final blog for you to read. I will miss doing it and eagerly await next year. Who knows what might happen though, I might continue to write blogs on future classics other than the Derby so watch this space.

Thank you to everyone for following me and reading my thoughts on the Derby each week. I have enjoyed it immensely and I shall see you all Saturday night as the Mulvaney 600 competition starts. See, never a dull moment in the Greyhound world.

Signing off,

Sarah