This is traditionally one of the quietest weekends in Irish greyhound racing, the calm before the storm so to speak. With the start of the 2023 Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby just days away, every person with any interest in the sport are readying themselves for the best six weeks of the year.
It all gets underway on Monday morning with the draw for the opening round set to be made at Shelbourne Park from noon. As I pen these words, there are over 120 in the book with a few of the top handlers in the country yet to show their hand. That would suggest an entry of 150 plus chasing the winner’s purse of €125,000. It all starts this day week with the opening round run over Friday and Saturday.
Sponsors Boylesports have Coolavanny Hoffa as their clear favourite for outright victory. That is down to both liabilities and the fact that the son of Droopys Sydney is amongst the fastest greyhounds to race in the past ten years.
He was favourite to land last year’s blue riband only to run out of road at the third turn in the semi- finals. Badly checking his stride at that pivotal point in the contest, he was eliminated in fourth. He was expected to dominate the Irish track scene in the intervening months but his legendary handler Michael O’Donovan had other ideas.
With Coolavanny Hoffa proving popular at stud, he has had a longer than expected break and has yet to race this year. That means, when he lines up next weekend it will be his first start for ten months. That is not what you would call a traditional preparation but few would ignore his claims, especially after a stunning trial on Thursday afternoon.
The flying blue posted a sensational 27.94, clocking a brilliant 15.81 to the third turn. Most took notice and it solidified his position at the head of the outright betting.
There are some truly brilliant greyhounds just behind him in the betting, however. To highlight the strength at the top of the market, those behind Coolavanny Hoffa inside the top ten in the betting include Easter Cup Champion and beaten English Derby favourite Swords Rex, Shelbourne Open 600 and Race of Champion winner Ballinabola Ed, Juvenile Derby and Select Stakes winner Clona Duke, Juvenile Classic winner Ballymac Marino, Kirby Memorial champion Clonbrien Treaty, the rapidly improving De Lahdedah and Champion Plate winner Ballymac Walt.
Reigning champion Born Warrior hasn’t even been mentioned yet. He hasn’t been at his best this year but it would be no surprise if he were to return to form in the coming weeks. Yes, the stage is certainly set for another memorable Derby and it all comes to a thrilling conclusion on Saturday, September 2nd, some two weeks earlier than normal.
Meanwhile, the sprint classic, the Bar One Racing Irish Sprint Cup continues at Dundalk on Saturday night and the speedsters should provide some exceptional racing. Road Exile was the star of the opening round, posting a rapid 20.94, and he will be expected to make another bold bid.
Get It Right, the sponsor’s new ante-post favourite, remains unbeaten after three career outings and looks a big player, while others including Who Have I, Ballymac Samuel and Rathdown Molly appeal in their respective heats.
