Semifinal Satuday is hyped as one of the finest weekends on the Irish greyhound calendar and it lived up to the hype as six of the fastest dogs in Ireland booked their place in the Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby this coming Saturday.
Sonic – who was favourite leading up to the race – lived up to his reputation as one of the best runners in Ireland. He finished two-and-a-half lengths faster than his opponents and convincingly defeated his field. It felt like a coming of age for Marian Maloney’s greyhound, as he looks destined to become derby winner if he re-enters Shelbourne Park in this form.
Trainer Graham Holland reflects on Sonic's scorching Irish Greyhound Derby semi-final win #RTEsport https://t.co/DjGkp9wUMM
— RTÉ Racing (@RTEracing) September 10, 2016
The reigning champion, Ballymac Matt, was able to hold off the field to claim third place and will now attempt to reclaim his crown.
While in the final race of the night, Rural Hawaii decisively won to continue the form he has displayed in the past 24 months. Holycross Leah and Owen McKenna’s Escapism were second and third respectively.
The best in the country will go head-to-head for the much sought after €250,000 prize fund and with three dogs trained by Graham Holland, it could be his name on everyone’s lips next weekend.
