Thirty-six days from today, the 2022 Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby winner will be crowned at Shelbourne Park. The eventual winner will have negotiated six rounds, seen off 155 rivals and competed for less than three minutes in total but they will forever be known as a Derby champion.
For each and every person that has put a lead on a greyhound in the past, it’s the ultimate dream to win a Derby. It’s a dream that will become a reality for someone on Saturday, September 24th. There are plenty of twists and turns to come before then, however.
The journey to Derby success begins at Shelbourne Park this evening and it’s no exaggeration to suggest that this year’s blue riband is amongst the greatest ever staged at the famous Ringsend venue. The strength in depth is highlighted by the quality of greyhound available at big prices.
The top of the market is a veritable who’s who of greyhound racing. The biggest names in the sport are represented by some of the fastest greyhounds imaginable. Sponsors Boylesports believe that Ballinabola Ed and Coolavanny Hoffa have a better chance than most with the pair sharing top spot in the betting but realistic claims can be made for as many as thirty to forty greyhounds.
It means that this year’s Derby, in terms of strength in depth, is more competitive than any this century. With a few exceptions, the really big names have been kept apart in the opening round and that has resulted in a number of odds-on favourites in both tonight and tomorrow night’s heats.
Of those in action tonight, plenty of eyes will be on English Derby champion Romeo Magico in his first start since his career defining night. Incidentally, such is the tricky nature of his draw, he isn’t one of the aforementioned odds-on favourites.
Housed in two in Heat 6, the Graham Holland trained star could find himself tight of room unless he makes a slick exit.
With The Other Kobe, drawn in four, certain to cut inwards, room could be at a premium in the early yards. Romeo Magico is proven around Shelbourne Park, however, and he can safely negotiate his passage into the second round.
Graham Holland will be hoping or a big night as he also sends out Part Blake and Swords Rex. Both are amongst the favourites for outright glory and should come home in front in their respective heats. Part Blake will be the hottest favourite of the night in Heat 5 and can dominate to beat the high-class Scooby Duchess.
Swords Rex was one of the stars of the opening half of the year, capturing the Kirby Memorial in brilliant fashion. He didn’t impress in his latest trial three weeks ago but has attracted support with Boylesports in recent days suggesting all is well. He can win the final heat tonight.
Coolavanny Hoffa makes his Derby bow in Heat 10. Joint favourite to win the classic, he should have too much ammunition for his rivals which include the exciting youngsters Tullig Cyrname and Storys Cashout.
Other expected to shine in tonight’s opening session include Mustang Jet, One Time Only, Raha Mofo, Good Cody, Coolavanny Calvn and English Derby runner-up Kildare.
The opening round concludes on Saturday night and the thirteen heats aren’t quite as quality packed as Friday’s action. Ballinabola Ed was brilliant through the early rounds of the English Derby only to suffer a very unlucky elimination at the quarter final stages.
It was those displays that ensured he would start favourite for the Irish Derby. He faces a stiff enough test in the penultimate heat of the round and needs to show all his qualities to see off his kennel companion and 2021 Derby runner-up Singalong Sally and the very talented Droopys Edison.
Others to keep an eye on tomorrow night include Maries Wedding, Bockos Budsit, reigning Dog of the Year Explosive Boy, Kilgraney Sydney Twoinarow and Vincenzo.
By the end of Saturday’s action, we will be down to the final ninety-six, yet no closer to knowing the likely winner. Best of luck to all in the coming five weeks. All roads lead to Shelbourne Park on Saturday, September 24th.
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