Sarah Kinsella takes a look at the latest qualifying legs for this year’s Irish Greyhound Derby with a look at the Quarter Final stages on the big race.
The 2013 Derby favourite who was withdrawn from the final due to injury last September made his exit last night from the 2014 Irish Greyhound Derby.
Kereight King finished last as he faded away to the back of the field from halfway after showing nice early into the first bend. It would of been great to see him back to his best but as the saying goes, whats for you wont pass you and I guess this wasn’t written in the stars for the King. Pat Curtin still has a chance to celebrate in the ‘Dandelion’ yet as his Whizzing Archie won again last night in 29.82 beating the odds on jolly Mind The Net and Droopys Ward, who ran well to finish third. Pat is going for his second title as he won the Derby in 2008 with Shelbourne Aston.
There was a great buzz on the stand last night. I battled my way through all the men and got myself a nice spot to watch Droopys Nidge race but he wasn’t fancied by a lot of the punters around me because he failed to impress so far. Once Ghost Town took the lead in this race the roars were mighty. Who ever backed him @ 8/1 went home delighted with themselves. I relish the feeling you get though when you are on the stand with your bet ticket in your hand, the bell goes, the hare goes on the move and BOOM………. The dogs escape the traps, your tummy does that weird thing like when you are on a roller coaster and you start to roar and scream and ball………. IT REALLY DOES MATTER MORE WHEN THERE IS MONEY ON IT……. COME ON MY SON…… and then you win, its great. You can afford to live again. You can actually go into the bar and buy yourself a drink and if you done really well you might be able to buy two drinks. This is why I love the Derby sooooo much and as Delia Smith famously said to fans at half time during the Man City v Norwich game, “LET’S BE HAVING YOU”.
Had a wee chat with Pat Buckley last night about his strong field in the Derby and he told me that he really likes Lenson Sanchez, the youngest in the Derby qualified in second behind Quick Blaze and Pat thinks a lot of this pup and has a bright future. Pat has already won the Irish Derby once with College Causeway (who is the sire of European Queen & Thornvalley who won last night), could this year be Pat’s second Irish Derby??
Graham Holland was delighted with his results last night as I met him in the middle of the track. He said his strongest chance of his remaining runners is General Wolf and I would agree with him, he is a very fast dog and has been running consistent for the Holland Kennels. Maybe Graham will make the history pages this year.
Peter Cronin really likes Borneo and thinks he has the best chance for him of going far in this Derby. Eamon Reynolds thinks that Skywalker Farloe is going to win the Derby and he thinks he keeps getting better every time he runs.
I got plenty of people sponsoring me last night for my 5k jog I am doing Sunday week for ‘Jog For Jockeys’ charity, including bookmakers Ted Hegarty, Bernard Barry and Yvonne Barry so a big thanks to everyone but just to clarify to those of you who asked, You will NOT be getting your money back if I don’t finish. But thanks for the encouragement ha! I’ll have the ambulance and oxygen tank on stand by!
There were plenty of fans disappointed with Droopys Nidge last night and of all the favourites that ran last night in general. European Queen was the best result of the night winning in 29.56 for Gerry Holian. She won by one length from Highview Premier and Shopping Basket finished third. It was hard to pick winners last night but the only person I seen with a big smile was Ted Hegarty, have a look at this cheesy grin, although he will saddened today as Cork were beaten by Tipperary in the Gaa All Ireland Hurling Semi Finals:
Ballymac Vic was pretty class last night, what a dog. I love to see him winning. He is such a great servant and after winning in 29.65 last night there is no doubt that this son of Kinloch Brae can make it to the final AGAIN along with Tyrur Sugar Ray who ran very well to make third place behind Droopys Norris.
So here are some of our legends that we have left and they all have a strong chance:
Paul Hennessy – Ecclestone, Jaytee Osprey, Barefoot Agent, Budgie Bypass
Liam Dowling – Ballymac Vic, Vulturi, Green Prince
Graham Holland – Quick Blaze, Hawaii Kinsale, General Wolf
Peter Cronin – Borneo, El Flutter, Metro Jack
PJ Fahy – Tyrur Supermac, Tyrur Fredrick, Tyrur Sugar Ray
Pat Buckley – Paradise Maverick, Mind The Net, Lenson Sanchez, Kipper Usain, Killinan Baby
Brace yourselves folks as Saturday promises to be full of more heartache, excitement, tears, drama and passion as we wait to see who makes it through to the quarter finals of this years IRISH GREYHOUND DERBY!!!
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