It’s now six days since Gaytime Nemo became the latest Irish trained greyhound to capture the UK’s blue riband, the Star Sports/ TRC English Derby. In victory, he became the seventh winner from these shores since the turn of the century, while also proving his handler Graham Holland and his all-conquering Riverside Kennels a second successive Derby success.
Add Holland’s two English Derby titles to his three in the Irish equivalent, all inside the past seven years, and it’s safe to say he is a master of his trade. But greyhound racing is not a sport that stands still and reflects too much on past glories. Already, everyone at the Riverside Kennels are seeking out further big race glories and they could potentially come in the next fortnight as they have runners in the final of the Boylesports Champion Plate, and the semi-finals of the RPGTV Corn Cuchulainn at Shelbourne Park.
The Boylesports Champion Stakes
They don’t have a runner in this weekend’s feature, however. The Boylesports Champion Stakes was first introduced to the calendar in the late eighties and has been won by some of the very fastest greyhounds to ever grace the tracks of Ireland in that time. It has also served as the perfect stepping stone for a Derby challenge and legendary names including Manorville Magic, Ardfert Mick and most recently Shelbourne Aston have done the Champion Stakes/ Derby double in the same year, while Razldazl Billy came back a year after winning his Derby to land the Champion Stakes in 2007.
Whether any of Saturday’s night’s finalists will go onto Derby glory has to be seen but they are certainly a very talented group. The layers have introduced The Other Kobe as favourite, although it would be no shock if they were to bet 3-1 the field by the off time.
The potential for traffic on the inside and middle of the track is real with The Other Kobe likely to move inwards from trap five and Trinity Junior move off from trap one. For that reason, the outsider of the field, Droopys Nice One is nominated as the value option in the stripes. A Derby finalist in 2022, she is immensely fast and could have plenty of room to race on the outside of the track. Her tendency to throw away a length or two by running wide around the final turn is a concern but at 10-1, plenty will be willing to take a chance.
The Boylesports Champion Plate final
The Boylesports Champion Plate final is no less open. They currently bet 3-1 the field but on latest evidence, Ballymac Walt could emerge as the one to beat. He made quite a splash on debut in the Juvenile Classic at Tralee, posting a sensational 28.12 to start his career.
He had subsequently failed to match that form until last week. Showing tremendous early speed, he raced clear of a talented field to set the standard with a 29.51 return for the 550yd trip. A repeat of that form could well be good enough. Optic Chico, Beepers Lariat and the Graham Holland trained Ballyhimkin Leo are nominated as the main dangers.
RPGTV Corn Cuchulainn
The Graham Holland trained Garfiney Blaze is now favourite to land the RPGTV Corn Cuchulainn. He was very lightly raced before stepping up to six bends but is now firmly established as one of the best and most exciting stayers in training. He is the on to beat in the opening heat, although he needs to be at his sharpest to first get the better of Mcneill before holding the expected late charge of his litter sister Ballymac Katie.
The second heat is also packed with quality. Kinturk Road has yet to taste defeat over the extended trip, going unbeaten through the Deadly Kennels Open 750 and winning her two assignments to date in the Corn Cuchulainn. She will be severely tested by Threesixfive who also boasts an unbeaten record in the classic. Of the duo, whichever gets first run is likely to come out on top. For that reason, slight preference is for the fast-starting Threesixfive.
Time Greyhound Nutrition Dundalk International
There is also plenty to look forward to during the week including the hugely valuable Time Greyhound Nutrition Dundalk International. The famous invitation race is worth a hopping €20,000 to the winner and a stellar field will line out at the wonderful venue.
Ballinabola Ed has been flawless in 2023 and is a warm favourite to add to his Shelbourne Open 600 and Race of Champions success. He faces some exceptional rivals including reigning Bitch of the Year Rafa Mofo, his dual classic winning kennel companion Bobsleigh Dream and Laurels runner-up Ballymac Whispa, while there are two talented UK raiders in the form of English Derby third Cochise and the razor-sharp Brookside Richie.
It's a wonderful line-up, although Ballinabola Ed could take the world of beating if starting on terms. As with the Champions Stakes and all the action at Shelbourne Park on Saturday night, the Dundalk International and a top class undercard will be televised live on RPGTV.
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