GREYHOUND PREVIEW: In this week’s piece Barry looks back at the English Greyhound Derby final and what an English trained winner may mean for the industry. On the racing front its Coronation Cup round one at Romford on Friday plus Shelbourne Park on Saturday have the final of the Shelbourne Champion Puppy 550 and the semi-finals of the Corn Cuchulainn.
A Monumental Win for Droopys Plunge and for the UK Greyhound Scene
We’re less than a week removed from one of the most thrilling conclusions in recent English Greyhound Derby history. Droopys Plunge, in a stunning late surge, clinched a dramatic and unforgettable victory at Towcester for trainer Patrick Janssens capping off what was an incredible night for the team. But let’s be clear: this result goes far beyond the glory of a single race. It represents a hugely important moment for the UK greyhound racing industry.
In recent years, Irish dominance in the Derby has been undeniable. With five wins from the last six running’s, it looked certain they’d add another until Droopys Plunge defied expectations. Until Saturday night, Thorn Falcon, also trained by Janssens, was the last UK based winner all the way back in 2021.
This win isn’t about bragging rights, because the truth is, the UK and Irish greyhound industries need each other to thrive. Neither can prosper in isolation.
For too long, there’s been a narrative suggesting that top Irish greyhounds aren’t for sale that “they won’t sell the good ones.” But Droopys Plunge and Droopys Bookem have put that myth to bed in emphatic fashion this year. And their success should reignite confidence among English buyers looking to the
Irish market for the next big star
All eyes now turn to Shelbourne Park this Friday, where a valuable €15,000-to-the-winner unraced stake is set to feature some of the most exciting young talent in the sport. Expect a flurry of activity and plenty of sterling and euro changing hands as buyers look to snap up potential champions.
In this game, once you know there’s a needle in the haystack, you’re willing to search. Some may have bigger magnets than others, but it only takes one small pull to find the next Droopys Plunge. And make no mistake, there will be plenty of haystacks at Shelbourne this weekend. Magnets at the ready.
Lastly, congratulations to everyone involved at Towcester. Though I couldn’t attend, every report I’ve heard has been glowing. The venue delivered a world-class Derby night and with positive coverage even making it to the BBC, the sport gained a rare and welcome boost in the national spotlight.
Bring on 2026, it promises to be even bigger and Better.
Coronation Cup
Straight back into the top-class action this Friday as Romford host the opening round of the Coronation Cup.
The wonderfully consistent Gary The Arb goes in the first heat at 19:11. He has winning from around here in the past including when getting the better of Untold Paanga. Paanga looks to be his main rival again here.
Last year’s champion New Destiny looks impossible to oppose in the second heat. She won the final a year ago by ten lengths and has some cracking form at the track.
Avongate Venus will be looking to translate her excellent recent four bend form to the extended trip. She posted some smart runs around Towcester recently and will be a tough nut to crack if getting to the front in heat three.
Keefill Goose was another to impress around Towcester recently and he runs form trap five in 20:19. It’s his first try over six bends but he should see it out if he manages to get to the front. Currently available at 12/1 to win outright, Goose could relish the trip and will carry my ante post cash.
Shelbourne Park Saturday
The final of the Shelbourne Champion 550 looks wide open. Ballinabola Joe has displayed huge pace in the first two rounds and despite not winning a round to date he will go off one of the favourites from trap six. Razldazl Edward was brave when just holding off Joe last week but will need another flying start.
My selection will be Left Corner Back. He has done little wrong since moving up to Shelbourne and his run in the semifinal was particularly impressive. He looks like he is the one to beat.
The semifinals of the Donal Beatty Memorial Corn Cuchulainn will also feature on Saturday’s card. On the face of it Clona Ice looks to have lots to do in the opening semifinal, but he ran far better than the placings would suggest. That was his six-bend debut and there is much better to come. I think he could go close to winning the event outright.
Finally, Jaytee Craze is my idea of the winner in the second semi. He has a cracking record over the distance and impressed once again last week. He did tie up on the run in the opening round and can go even quicker on Saturday.
All the best,
Barry
