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Michael Fortune's Derby Report

BOYLESPORTS IRISH DERBY SECOND ROUND DRAW

THURSDAY

HEAT 1

1 Priceless Lassie
2 Jo Jo Fantasy
3 Farloe Blitz
4 Highview Premier
5 Tynwald Rodney
6 Starshinedelrio

 

HEAT 2

1 Hannibal Rising

2 Ballybough Mondo

3 Calzaghe Clampet

4 Farloe Rumble

5 Karlow Master

6 Fordeflag

 

HEAT 3

1 Boherna Pedro

2 Save The Don

3 Padua Supreme

4 Dark Intentions

5 Blue Navajo (w)

6 Blonde Nipper (w)

 

HEAT 4

1 Ardrahan Zindi

2 Sharshineapache

3 Doubtful Venture

4 Allen Wizard

5 Gaytime Hawk

6 Ivy Hill Bart (w)

 

HEAT 5

1 Aoifes Prinskie

2 Shutthe Backdoor

3 Secreto

4 Peregrine Falcon

5 Riverside Pat

6 Jaytee Valencia

 

HEAT 6

1 Leave At Dawn

2 Cunning Barney

3 Mimis Ace

4 Jumeirah Star

5 Creamery Bale

6 Fair Taxes

 

HEAT 7

1 Lefanta Sky

2 Footfield Flash

3 Siderian Vega

4 Mucho Macho Man

5 Faypoint Rush (m)

6 Tyrur Mairead (w)

 

HEAT 8

1 Ballydoyle Honey

2 Kina Girl

3 Simaya

4 Borna Sounds

5 Gyp Rosetti

6 Rural Hawaii (w)

 

SATURDAY

Heat 9

1 Tyrur Tommy

2 Barefoot Artist

3 Laughil Duke

4 Droopys Bomber

5 Cable Bay

6 Jaytee Jet (w)

 

HJEAT 10

1 Paradise Maverik

2 Whizzing Archie

3 Sidarian Teejay

4 Star Ace

5 Dolcino Flyer (m)

6 Material Man (w)

 

HEAT 11

1 Blue Cafu

2 Good News John

3 Extra Spark

4 Slippery Fred

5 Highview Apollo

6 Ballybough Mike (w)

 

HEAT 12

1 Urban Gossip

2 Coolavanny Jap

3 Vulturi

4 Go Dex Go

5 Ravenswood Emily (m)

6 Alien Ticker (w)

 

HEAT 13

1 Rockybay Yank

2 Burgess Four

3 Triangle Jamie

4 Ballymac Rickie

5 Slippery Snowy m)

6 Tyrur Hagler (w)

 

HEAT 14

1 Heathlawn Tiger

2 Cabra Millie

3 Morning Music

4 Hovex Prince

5 Wee Barneys Son

6 Budgie Bypass (w)

 

 

HEAT 15

1 Lemon Miley

2 Offshore Bound

3 Amazing Dude

4 Dromscarra Ruby

5 Black Tom

5 Ballyana Foxtrot (m)

 

HEAT 16

1 Ballymac Matt

2 Ballyhooly Henry

3 Overcharge

4 Uncle Paul

5 Scooby The Star

6 Skywalker Farloe (w)

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BOYLESPORTS DERBY – SATURDAY’S HEATS

HONEY A MIRACLE BITCH AS DUKE FLIES HOME IN DERBY

She didn’t even win but Oaks heroine was the talk of Shelbourne on Saturday night when she produced an astonishing performance in finishing a two lengths second behind kennel companion Calzaghe Clampet in Heat 16 of the BoyleSports Irish Derby after being a mile behind out of the second bend.

Run of the night, though, came from Laughil Duke, a half-brother to last year’s winner Laughil Blake, as he scorched around the track in 29.45. This was just two spots slower than the fastest time of the round, the 29.43 posted by Ballymac Matt in Thursday’s opening session.

Heat 13 - DAWN LEFT RIVALS STANDING

Leave At Dawn so often leaves his chance behind him in the early stages of his races, but on this occasion he was to capitalise following a decent start from trap five.

Brendan Matthew’s hugely fast son of Foleys Folley and Toms Delight slipped around second to Heathlawn Tiger and once doing so had far too much ammunition for the leader.

Taking control at the third turn he quickly moved into a decisive lead. Vulturi stayed on strongly to grab second, but Leave At Dawn took the verdict by a comfortable three length margin in 29.75. Warm favourite Secreto overcame a tardy start to take third a further three parts of a length adrift, while Heathlawn qualified in fourth.

Heat14 – GOSSIP CERTAINLY NOT IDLE

Urban Gossip produced a stunning display to put herself into the Derby picture in Heat 14 when dominating from the early yards.

Reggie Roberts’ brilliantly fast daughter of Brett Lee and Kildallon Maid is known more as a big finisher, but on this occasion she displayed superior early speed to her rivals to hold a clear advantage entering the back.

The hugely fast and massively strong pair of Sidarian Teejay and Cable Bay got after her in the second half of the contest, but Urban Gossip was never going to be denied once turning in front. Maintaining a strong gallop all the way to the line she hit the line two lengths to the good in a fast 29.60, with Cable Bay another two and a half lengths back. The fourth qualifier was Ivy Hill Bart.

Heat15 – RICKY’S SHOCK VICTORY

Ballymac Ricky (Royal Impact/ Ballymac Sasha) was certainly a shock winner of Heat 15, although there was nothing lucky about the manner in which he won.

The 12-1 chance simply got to the front in the early stages before opening up a race-winning advantage.

The big two in the market Paradise Maverik and Ardrahan Zindi were his nearest pursuers into the back straight, but it was Blue Cafu that displayed the best pace to emerge as the only serious challenge to the Leonard O’Hanlon trained pace-setter.

Ballymac Ricky, owned by Wesley Savage and John Duffy, was still clear into the home straight and he held off the advances of the eye-catching Blue Cafu by a length in 29.87. Paradise Maverik was a length and a half away in third, a head to the good over Ardrahan Zindi. 

Heat 16– FAIR RUN FROM TAXES

Francie Murray had a 1-2 in the next heat as Fair Taxes overcame first bend crowding to justify odds-on favouritism from his kennel companion Overcharge.

Here Black Tom displayed the best early dash to lead on the turn, forcing Fair Taxes to check wide but he soon recovered.

Owned by Caren Walsh and Noeleen McCReevy, the hugely fast son of Head Bound and Pride And Glory flew down the far side to take over from Black Tom approaching the third turn and that sealed his victory. Overcharge also displayed fine pace from halfway to go second off the final turn, but Fair Taxes was in command by this point and he ran out a ready three length scorer in 29.84. Black Tom was third, a length behind Overcharge. The fourth qualifier was Ballyanna Foxtrot.

Heat 17 – ODDS-ON DUDE OBLIGES

Long odds-on backers never had a moment’s worry if they backed Liam McLaughlin’s Amazing Dude at 1-3 in Heat 17, although it was notable how much he tired from the third turn.

As expected the Graham Holland trained star set a blistering pace after a slick exit from trap one.

Despite drifting off his inside line, the son of Royal Patrol and Broadacres Hazel flew into a commanding lead before halfway. Dark Intentions and Allen Wizard gave chase down the far side, but neither are known as strong stayers which would have been consolation to those who backed the hot favourite.

Amazing Dude’s stride certainly started to shorten as he turned for home, but neither of his pursuers could capitalise. Amazing Dude went on to hit the line two and a half lengths clear of Allen Wizard in 29.77. Dark Intentions was just a neck back in third, while fourth went to Extra Spark. 

Heat 18– CLAMPET SCORES AS HOLLAND DOMINATES

Graham Holland provided the first three home in Heat 18, although in a different order than most expected with Ballydoyle Honey suffering an odds-on defeat behind Calzaghe Clampet.

The latter faced a tough draw in trap five, but he came away racing and cut for the rails to lead before the turn.

In contrast Ballydoyle Honey was a little flat-footed at boxes and was immediately crowded. At the turn Calzaghe Clampet headed his kennel companion Hovex Prince, while Ballydoyle Honey sat well off the pace.

Then she had a bit of good fortune. Padua Supreme, Deanridge Pennys and Quinton Abu clashed, leaving Ballydoyle Honey an inside line to go third, be it a long way behind her kennel companion Calzaghe Clampet.

Gillian O’Brian’s Calzaghe Clampet continued to dictate to emerge a two length winner in a fast 29.62, but the real talking point was the display of Ballydoyle Honey. Entering the back straight ten lengths off the pace she displayed incredible speed and strength from halfway to go second on the line. It was a simply amazing display. Hovex Prince was a neck away in third, while Padua Supreme took fourth spot.

Heat 19 – UNCLE PAUL SNATCHES A THRILLER

The finish of the night came in Heat 19 where the Brian Ellard trained Doubtful Venture looked like causing an upset for a long way as he broke fast from the three box and led up from Uncle Paul and Clares Wonder.

The latter moved second before the bend but Doubtful Venture still led by two and a half lengths as they started down the back straight.

Doubtful Venture was still in command at the third bend but he was being challenged by Clares Wonder and Uncle Paul. Clares Wonder drifted wide off the final bend and carried the rapidly closing Morning Music with him. But the James Robinson owned and trained Uncle Paul (Uncle Eoin/ Ardmayle Proud) slipped through on the inside on the run-in and hit the front inches from the line. The judge called a photo before announcing that Uncle Paul had prevailed by a short head from Doubtful Venture in 29.93 with the flying finisher Morning Music half a length third and a similar distance to Wee Barney Son.

Heat 20 – DUKE JUST LIKE THE BROTHER!

Unfortunately there is no Laughil Blake in this year’s BoyleSports Derby but his owners Mary and Paul Jennings still have a very strong hand with Laughil Duke (Premier Fantasy/ Laughil Lass) which produced a top drawer performance when winning his heat in 29.45.

This was a powerful performance from the younger half-brother to last year’s hero and he has now rocketed up the betting lists.

From a pretty level start it was the Pat Guilfoyle trained Laughil Duke which burst to the front but he was collared by Ballybough Mondo into the bend. Laughil had the inside line and he was a few lengths in front heading out of the second bend. Laughil continued to lead by three lengths down the back from Ballybough but Save The Don was now moving closer and he went second at the fourth bend.

Staying on very strongly, Laughil Duke raced strongly up the straight to win by four and a half lengths from Save The Don in 29.45 with Samiya staying on strongly to be two and a half lengths third. 

Heat 21 - MUCHO TO LIKE ABOUT THIS MAN

The punters favoured the Paul Hennessy trained Mucho Macho Man and Sean Hagan’s son of Razldazl Jayfkay and Castlehill Alex proved them spot on with a very solid performance as he stopped the clock in 29.77.

He broke smartly from his favourite inside box and led up from Rockybay Yank and Knight Invader.

Ravenswood Emily was third out of the second bend ahead of Material Man while up front Mucho Macho Man was showing two lengths in front from Rockybay Yank. Mucho Macho Man turned on the gas down the back and was three lengths up entering the third bend while Material Man was moving menacingly in third.

Material Man drifted wide off the final bend and Mucho Macho Man ran out an easy two and a half length winner from Rockybay Yank in 29.77 with Material Man a neck third.

Heat 22 – ARTIST BRINGS UP PAUL’S DOUBLE

Perceived as an inside specialist, Barefoot Artist gave a near trap to line performance in winning Heat 22 from trap five in a very useful 29.65, in the process completing a quick heat double for trainer Paul Hennessy.

Time To Share was actually first to hit the ground but Barefoot Artist (Droopys Scolari/ Kilara Cher) was also away well and he quickly showed ahead.

Barefoot had raced into a four length lead by the sprint box with Cabra Miller taking over in second spot from Time To Share and with the favourite Farloe Rumble back in fourth. There was no change in the order down the far side but Farloe Rumble went third at the 750 box.

However, the Bryan and Kathleen Murphy owned Barefoot Artist was still striding out strongly up front and he crossed the line with a length and a half in hand of the strong staying Cabra Miller in 29.65 with Farloe Rumble two lengths third and then Tyrur Tommy a length back in fourth.

Heat 23 – APOLLO STORMS TO VICTORY

Offshore Bound was a strong favourite for Heat 23 but he never looked like obliging after breaking slowly and being well adrift of the pace into the back straight.

The race was fought out between fast starting Fordeflag and Highview Apollo. Fordeflag led up from Highview with Whizzing Archie in third.

Down the far side Fordeflag continued to lead but he was being pressed by the Gerry Merriman trained Highview Apollo entering the third bend while Whizzing Archie was now being threatened by Offshore Bound.

Off the final bend the Paddy Merriman owned Highview Apollo (Premier Fantasy/ Highview Horizon) hit the front and he won by a length and a half from Fordeflag in 29.72 with Offshore Bound another two and a half lengths back in third.

Heat 24 – RIVERSIDE PAT SCORCHES HOME

The Graham Holland trained Riverside Pat was favourite for the concluding heat but there were fears that a trap four draw may scupper the hopes of the inside runner.

But we needn’t have worried as the son of Kinloch Brae and Calling Spice flew out of traps and raced clear to the bend with the youngster Borna Sounds going second on the bend ahead of Lefanta Sky and Alien Ticker.

Once Riverside Bolt was clear down the back the result was beyond doubt and he maintained his strong gallop throughout to crossed the line some five and a half lengths in front of Borna Sounds in a flying 29.49 and it was then a neck to Levanta Sky in third with Alien Ticker two lengths third.

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BALLYMAC MATT THE STAR OF THE BOYLESPORTS DERBY

It didn’t take the BoyleSports Irish Derby long to come alive when the opening session of the first round was run at Shelbourne Park on Thursday night.

First it was Gyp Rosetti which produced a polished performance as he led all the way in 29.63 in Heat 4, followed two races later by Rural Hawaii with a 29.65 run. But they all paled when compared with the brilliant Ballymac Matt as the Liam Dowling trained flying machine scorched the sand when clocking a sensational 29.43 in the ninth heat. At the end of the card Farloe Blitz lived up to his rating as he scorched to victory in 29.60.

Heat 1 - FRED GIVES RIVALS THE SLIP

Larry Dunne has already won a Derby with Slippery Robert and he has a live contender yet again in the form of Slippery Fred (Brett Lee/ Steamy Windows).

The Easter Cup runner-up produced a professional display to win the opening heat, which was reduced to five runners following the disappointing withdrawal of the defending champion Laughil Blake.

Slippery Fred was racing from trap three and despite taking a bump from the fast starting Boherna Pedro in the opening strides, he shot into the corner to assume control. The 5-4 joint favourite was quickly followed by his market rival Ballybough Mike. The latter tried to close on Slippery Fred down the back, but he could never land a telling blow and Mimis Ace ran on strongly to eventually take second.

Slippery Fred railed tightly off the last turn to put the result beyond doubt and he hit the line two and a half lengths clear in 29.89. Ballybough Mike was a further three parts of a length away in third. Boherna Pedro was the fourth qualifier. 

Heat 2 – VEGA NEVER THREATENED

Champion Stakes winner Sidarian Vega (1/2f) made the most of a perfect draw on the fence to win the second heat in facile fashion for Graham Holland and the Sidarian Syndicate.

A noted railer with fine early pace, the son of Westmead Hawk and Manic Fantasy was always in complete control after a flying start from the inside box.

Entering the back straight with a commanding lead after his nearest rival, Lemon Elgrand, went lame, Sidarian Vega had little more than a solo trial. At the line he was still three lengths clear in 29.83 despite tiring a little. His inexperienced kennel companion Jo Jo Fantasy, a 50-1 chance, took second half a length ahead of Hannibal Rising. Budgie Bypass qualified in fourth.

Heat 3 – SKYWALKER IN A THRILLER

Former Easter Cup champion Skywalker Farloe may be approaching his fourth birthday, but the powerful son of Skywalker Ace and Final Orchid continues to perform with real credit in top company and he claimed a fifteenth career success in Heat 2.

Swords Ace set the pace after a fast start from trap two, but his rivals were queueing up behind down the back straight. Both Skywalker Farloe and Gaytime Hawk closed rapidly into the third turn, although both were forced to check up with the last named losing most ground.

Skywalker Farloe remained second, but he was forced to switch wide off the final turn as he challenged the early leader again. As this went on Star Ace made his move. The massive stride of Skywalker Farloe was to make the difference, however.

Once straightening up, the Pat Gordon trained powerhouse hurled himself towards the line and took the verdict by neck from Star Ace in30.38 with Gaytime Hawk just another three parts of a length away in third. Fourth spot went to Aoifes Prinskie.

Heat 4 - ROSETTI IMPRESSES AGAIN

Sydney Harman’s Gyp Rosetti (Head Bound/ Acela Express) would have entered many notebooks after his previous display when posting a wonderful 29.50 for the 550yd Derby trip and he backed up that performance in Heat 4. 

The Peter Cronin trained star is clearly a greyhound reaching the peak of his powers and he was thoroughly professional on this occasion, making all from trap three after a fast start. Scooby the Star was never too far away in second, but Gyp Rosetti gave no indication of taking his foot off the pedal and he ran out a comfortable two and a half length winner in a fast 29.63. Third went to Faypoint Rush, two and a half lengths behind Scooby the Star, while the fourth qualifying spot went to Highview Premier.

Heat 5 – SNOWY DOUBLES UP FOR LARRY

Larry Dunne completed a heat double when the ever-improving Slippery Snowy (Brett Lee/ Kildallon Maid) turned the fifth heat into a procession with a powerful display.

Hanoi disputed the lead to the bend with Slippery Snowy but Slippery then powered ahead off the second bend and quickly moved a few lengths clear.

The battle for the placings warmed up when Blue Navajo shot into second at the third bend ahead of Starshineapache but up front Slippery Snowy was pulling further and further clear. By the line Slippery had extended his advantage to eight lengths over Blue Navajo in 29.71 with Starshineapache a neck third. 

Heat 6 – HAWAII MAKES IT TWO FOR GRAHAM  

Graham Holland quickly joined Larry Dunne as a dual heat winner with Rural Hawaii justifying favouritism for owners Helen and Michael O’Dwyer in Heat 6.

Here it was Creamery Bale which was best away but he was joined by Rural Hawaii on the run to the bend.

Shutthe Backdoor tracked superbly around the opening bends to move second and he challenged the wide running Rural Hawaii down the far side. There was just a length and a half in it as they negotiated the bottom bends and Rural Hawaii (Head Bound/ Duck Fat) then drifted very wide off the final corner. However he kept on strongly and won by two and a half lengths from Shutthe Backdoor in 29.65 with Jumeirah Star some three and a half lengths third.

Heat 7 – KINA STRIKES FOR THE FEMALES

The Fraser Black trained Kina Girl (Ace Hi Rumble/ Droopys Kina) became the first bitch to win a heat in this year’s classic when she landed a closely battled seventh heat. 

There were just five runners with the withdrawal of Skip Glory and any one of the five could have won it at the bottom bends.

Blonde Nipper and Dolcino Flyer disputed to the bend but the pair bumped on the corner and Blonde Nipper last ground. Kina Girl, owned by the Donaghmore Syndicate, railed well to lead early in the back straight but she was joined by the other four entering the third bend. Kina Girl was brave up front and held Dolcino Flyer by a length and a half in 30.20 with Blonde Nipper a short head third and Tynwald Rodney just a head back in fourth.

Heat 8 – FALCON SWOOPS FOR PAT

Here we had another open contest with Peregrine Falcon (Ace Hi Rumble/ Minefield) well supported into favouritism and he duly ran out a convincing winner in 29.80.

From traps it was Droopys Bomber which showed in front but he was outpaced to the bend and was only fourth entering the back straight.

Pat O’Brien’s Peregrine Falcon displayed good early pace to go between dogs to lead into the bend and he was a few lengths in front down the far side from Burgess Four with Lodgefield Todd now in third. Burgess challenged all the way but Peregrine Falcon never looked like conceding and he scampered home with two lengths to spare over Burgess Four in 29.80 and it was some three and a half lengths to Droopys Bomber in third.

Heat 9 – BRILLIANT MATT SETS PACE

We were waiting for a sparkling run and it came in Heat 9 from a pretty anticipated quarter as Liam Dowling’s Gain 600 winner Ballymac Matt (Tyrur Big Mike/ Ballymac Scarlet) gave a real exhibition of racing as he stopped the clock in a red-hot 29.43.

This was a victory that was assured after about two strides when the July ’13 whelp already showed ahead.

Ballymac led up from Dromscarra Ruby and Jaytee Jet which disputed second but the leader had a two length advantage on the opening bend that suddenly became four as they hit the back straight. By the third bend Ballymac Matt had stretched the lead to at least five lengths and he simply increased the pressure on the run-in as he pulled right away to win by eight lengths from Dromscarra Ruby with Jaytee Jet a neck third and Go Dex Go a length and a half fourth. Greenwell Hulk failed to qualify in fifth.

 Heat 10 – HENRY BATTLES BACK FOR TOM

There was another very exciting contest in Heat 10 where the Tom O’Neill trained Ballyhooly Henry (Tyrur Big Mike/ Lemon Soul) battled back bravely to collar and beat the favourite Coolavanny Jap in 29.94.

Ballyhooly actually led from traps but Coolavanny Jap got up to lead by the bend while Tyrur Hagler joined Ballyhooly for second.

Entering the back straight Coolavanny had opened a three length lead but Ballyhooly Henry then really buckled down to his task and he gradually closed the gap to challenge on the third bend. They were neck and neck turning for home but the Ashville Syndicate owned Ballyhooly Henry proved the stronger as he forged a neck verdict over Coolavanny with Tyrur Hagler all of five lengths further back in third.

Heat 11 – FARLOE HAS STROLL IN THE PARK

Farloe Blitz went off surely the hottest heat favourite of the entire Derby in the eleventh heat and he won like such a hot thing should.

Trained by Owen McKenna for Paul Ellis, the son of Premier Fantasy and Final Oyster certainly has no hang-ups about his Wimbledon final defeat as he gave a stunning display of early pace when turning this heat into a procession.

Farloe flew the lids and was four lengths ahead passing the 600 line. He was at least five to the good from Good News John entering the back while Tyrur Mairead was in third. The lead had grown to ten lengths by the third bend and, while he faded a little on the run-in, Farloe Blitz still had six and a half lengths in hand of Good News John at the line in 29.60o with Tyrur Mairead three lengths third.

Heat 12 - MILEY SNATCHES IT IN THRILLER

The night ended with a swelter of excitement as we had a dramatic finish with inches separating the first three home and the bookmakers had the last laugh as the Murt Leahy trained Lemon Miley (Droopys Scolari/ Lemon Belle) gained his 18th victory for owner Pat Scully.

The favourite Jaytee Valencia looked a likely winner when leading up from Lemon Miley and Cunning Barney. The danger signals began to flash, though, when Lemon Miley ranged alongside at halfway and then edged ahead into the third bend while Cunning Barney was now a close third. Off the final bend and Miley still had the call but the challenges were coming. In a driving finish the three dogs crossed the line and it took the judge to decide that Lemon Miley had prevailed by a short head and the same from Cunning Barney and Jaytee Valentia in 30.24.

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LAUGHIL BLAKE OUT OF DERBY

The BoyleSports Irish Derby got off to an early shock today with news that defending champion Laughil Blake will not be running due to coughing.

The brilliant black had been cleared to run following his injury problem but at lunchtime his trainer Michael O’Donovan  broke the news that the dog was coughing and would not be running.

The Tipperary trainer said, “I just can’t run him in the circumstances. It is an awful pity as this has been his target since he won the Derby last year. The thing is that he will probably be over the problem in a week or a little more but there is nothing I can do about it”.

BoyleSports announced today that they will refund all Ante-post single bets struck on Laughil Blake, Said Boylesports spokesman Liam Glynn, Liam Glynn, “It’s disappointing that Laughil Blake will miss the chance to retain his BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby crown. We wish him a speedy recovery and no doubt will see him back on the winner’s podium in the near future.”

He added “As a goodwill gesture, all Antepost bets will be refunded on Laughil Blake and we will now leave it up to punters to make a clear favourite with currently three dogs all locked together at 14/1” The bets will be refunded as a free bet and their three co-favourites at 14-1 are Ballymac Matt, Ballydoyle Honey and Farloe Blitz with Sidarian Vega at 16-1 and then 25-1 bar.

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TRACKS OPENING FOR DERBY

With the heats of the BoyleSports Irish Derby due to be run on Thursday and Saturday nights, the following tracks, which are not scheduled to run on those nights, have notified us that they will open to allow their patrons to enjoy the Inter Track coverage from the Derby.

Thursday: Drumbo Park, Kilkenny, Thurles, Tralee, Waterford

Saturday: Kilkenny.

Notice to tracks: Please notify us if you wish to be included in this list.

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€5,000 BOYLESPORTS DERBY PLATE

The BoyleSports Irish Derby Plate will commence on Thursday, August 27th and will be for 36 dogs which were unplaced in the first two rounds of the classic.

The Plate will have a winner’s prize of €5,000 and the final will be run as a support to the final itself on Saturday, September 19th.

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BOYLESPORTS 2015 DERBY DRAW

THURSDAY

HEAT 1

1 Boherna Pedro

2 Mimis Ace

3 Slippery Fred

4 Ballybough Mike (w)

5 Killaghan Impact (w)

6 Laughil Blake (w)

 

HEAT 2

1 Sidarian Vega

2 Lemon Elgrand

3 Hannibal Rising

4 Jo Jo Fantasy (m)

5 Budgie Bypass (w)

6 Laughil Bolt (w)

 

HEAT 3

1 Gaytime Hawk

2 Swords Ace

3 Aoifes Prinskie#

4 Affane Scolari

5 Star Ace

6 Skywalker Farloe (w)

 

HEAT 4 

1 Scooby The Star

2 Tyrur Mata

3 Gyp Rosetti

4 Highview Premier

5 Black Hawkeye

6 Faypoint Rush (m)

 

HEAT 5

1 Hanoi

2 Karlow Master

3 Mileheight Mork

4 Starshineapache

5 Slippery Snowy (m)

6 Blue Navajo (m)

 

HEAT 6

1 Glenbuck Bill

2 Jumeirah Star

3 Shutthe Backdoor

4 Creamery Bale

5 Tyrur Van Gaal

6 Rural Hawaii (w)

 

HEAT 7

1 Kina Girl

2 Burgess Tadgh

3 Tynwald Rodney

4 Dolcino Flyer (m)

5 Skip Glory (m)

6 Blonde Nipper (w)

 

HEAT 8

1 Lodgefield Todd

2 Peregrine Falcon

3 Droopys Bomber

4 Priceless Lassie

5 Burgess Four

6 Tinnock Fantasy

 

HEAT 9

1 Greenwell Hulk

2 Dromscarra Ruby

3 Ballymac Matt

4 Go Dex Go

5 Jaytee Jet (w)

6 Tyrur Tolan (w)

 

HEAT 10

1 Coolavanny Jet

2 Headman Chris

3 Ballyhooly Henry

4 Tain Jack

5 Triangle Jamie

6 Tyrur Hagler (w)

 

HEAT 11

1 Farloe Blitz

2 Good News John

3 Starshinedelrio

4 Lenson Walcott

5 Country Legend

6 Tyrur Mairead (w)

 

HEAT 12

1 Jaytee Valencia

2 Skilful Legend

3 Cunning Barney

4 Lemon Miley

5 Knight Bite

6 House Doctor (w)

 

SATURDAY

HEAT 13

1 Heathlawn Tiger

2 Vulturi

3 Boherash Messiah

4 Secreto

5 Leave At Dawn

6 Maggies Lucy (w)

 

HEAT 14

1 Knocktoo Garry

2 Urban Gossip

3 Sidarian Teejay

4 Blastoff Macaw

5 Cable Bay

6 Ivy Hill Bart (w)

 

HEAT 15

1 Ballymac Ricky

2 Ardrahan Zindi

3 Paradise Maverik

4 Blue Cafu

5 Hondo Messi (m)

6 Jackal Frampton (w)

 

HEAT 16

1 Fair Taxes

2 Overcharge

3 Millridge Crash

4 Highview Event

5 Black Tom

6 Ballyana Foxtrot (m)

 

HEAT 17

1 Amazing Dude

2 Extra Spark

3 Dark Intentions

4 Allen Wizard

5 Tyrur McDonald (w)

6 Droopys Navas (w)

 

HEAT 18

1 Padua Supreme

2 Deenside Pennys

3 Ballydoyle Honey

4 Quinton Abu

5 Calzaghe Clampett

6 Hovex Prince

 

HEAT 19

1 Uncle Paul

2 Morning Music

3 Doubtful Venture

4 Wee Barneys Son

5 Glanmire Prince

6 Clares Wonder (w)

 

HEAT 20

1 Samiya

2 Tyrur Supermac

3 Native Custom

4 Laughil Duke

5 Ballybough Mondo

6 Save The Don (m)

 

HEAT 21

1 Mucho Macho Man

2 Ravenswood Emily

3 Rockybay Yank

4 Knight Invader

5 Material Man (w)

6 Redwood Mick (w)

 

HEAT 22

1 Cabra Miller

2 Time To Share

3 Salacres Francie

4 Tyrur Tommy

5 Barefoot Artist

6 Farloe Rumble

 

HEAT 23

1 Whizzing Archie

2 Butterbridge Ace

3 Offshore Bound

4 Ivy Hill Prince

5 Fordeflag

6 Highview Apollo

 

HEAT 24

1 Justice Matters

2 Lefanta Sky

3 Boherash Ozzie

4 Riverside Pat

5 Borna Sounds

6 Alien Ticker (w)

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BALLYDOYLE SATISFIES BUT TAXES & MUSIC ARE BRILLIANT

We have witnessed some varying trials over the past two days and, while we can expect a much different level of performance from most of the trackers during the rounds of the BoyleSports Irish Derby, there were some very interesting runs.

Likely Derby ante-post favourite Ballydoyle Honey went on show over 550 yards in the last of the three batches of trials on Thursday afternoon. This session of eleven trials for some reason appeared to take place on a slower surface. Yet it was only minutes later than the first and second sessions and came after the second interruption for the tractor to freshen the racing surface.

Graham Holland’s Ballydoyle Honey appeared to do everything absolutely right as she completed her solo spin in 29.71, a good run but not quite as fast as we had anticipated. But, some of the other trials in this session were also slightly disappointing with kennel companion Rural Hawaii only clocking 29.91, Gain 600 runner-up Droopys Bomber 30.02 and the very useful stayer Ivy Hill Prince 30.06.

One would have to be pleased with the 29.79 run from Fraser Black’s bitch Kina Girl but this is a very pacey lady. Last Saturday’s 29.60 race winner Slippery Snowy appeared to do everything right when clocking 29.79.

Fastest times of the day were the 28.20 run from Francie Murray’s Fair Taxes over the 525 yard trip and a brilliant 29.44 for the 550 yards from Jerry Griffin’s Galway qualifier Morning Music.

DERBY TRIALS

Wednesday Night

525yds

28.49 Mimis Ace

350yds

18.92 Kilmore Drifter

19.05 Whizzing Archie

19.10 Deanridge Pennys

Thursday Morning

525yds

28.59 Boherash Ozzie

28.72 Boherash Messiah

Thursday Evening 

550yds

29.44 Morning Music

29.51 Ballymac Matt

29.82 Save The Don

29.87 Blonde Nipper

30.03 Black Tom

30.20 Vulturi

30.42 Stareshineapache

525yds

28.20 Fair Taxes

28.61 Scooby The Star

TRACTOR ON TRACK

525yds

28.34 Slippery Fred

29.37 Overcharge

28.38 Ballyhooly Henry

28.62 Rockybay Yank

28.66 Balline Bolt

28.74 Triangle Jamie

28.75 Lefanta Sky

29.10 Butterbridge Ace

29.25 Skip Glory

350yds

18.93 Coolavanny Jap

TRACTOR ON TRACK

550yds

29.71 Ballydoyle Honey

29.79 Kina Girl

29.79 Slippery Snowy

29.87 Amazing Dude

29.88 Hovex Prince

29.89 Ivy Hill Bart

29.91 Rural Hawaii

30.02 Droopys Bomber

30.05 Starshinedelrio

30.06 Ivy Hill Prince

30.06 Glenbuck Bill

PRE RACING

550YDS

29.51 Farloe Rumble

29.91 Droopys Navas

525yds

28.48 Offshore Bound

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DROOPYS NIDGE OUT OF BOYLESPORTS DERBY

Robert Gleeson has confirmed that the brilliant Droopys Nidge, which was ante-post favourite for the 2014 BoyleSports Derby, will be out of action for at least another eight weeks and definitely will not be in the Derby draw next Monday morning.

Gleeson confirmed that the brilliant tracker owned by Willie Hyslop has a chip off the wrist and is being treated. He was given an x-ray on Tuesday which confirmed the worst fears but there is a possibility that he will be ready to participate in the Night of Stars on November 14th.

Last year Droopys Nidge gave an amazing performance when winning the Dandelion Night of Stars 575 and Gleeson suggests he would either defend that title or got for the Night of Stars 600. “The vet feels he should be back in time for that meeting but if he doesn’t come back to top form we wouldn’t race him again”.

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BOYLESPORTS DERBY DRAW TO BE SHOWN LIVE

After all the waiting the start of the BoyleSports Irish Derby is almost upon us. The first heats of the 2015 classic will be run in eight days’ time, tomorrow week to be precise with the entries closing on Saturday night and the draw scheduled to take place on Monday morning at 11 am in Shelbourne.

The draw will be shown live on www.igb.ie/derby-drdaw-feed.

A prize of €125,000 awaits the winner of the final which will be run on Saturday, September 19th. The number of entries continues to grow with each day and the management at Shelbourne are hopeful that the final entry will come to 120 which would mean twenty first round heats spread over Thursday and Saturday nights of next week.

While each heat can be viewed live on www.igb.ie the final will also be broadcast live on RTE 2 TV on Saturday, September 19th between 8 and 9.30pm. It will also be shown online at www.rte.ie.

Trials will be available on Thursday and Saturday nights this week for Derby dogs and there will be a special Derby Trial Session tomorrow (Thursday) from 4.30 pm.  There will, however, be NO day trials at Shelbourne on Thursday of next week, August 13th.

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DON IS DERBY BOUND

Save The Don earned his Derby ticket with a facile success in the Boylesports.com Derby Trial Stake at Harold’s Cross on Friday night for Fraser Black and the Diamonds Are Forever Syndicate.

The warm favourite came away racing from trap five, assuming control in the early yards before cruising to a comfortable four and a half length victory.

The winning time of 29.80 was particularly tasty. Ravenswood Emily chased home Save The Don in second with Rastafari Vic the same distance away third.

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HONEY WILL HAVE ANOTHER TRIAL

Graham Holland yesterday reported that his brilliant Sporting Press Irish Oaks winner Ballydoyle Honey will have another trial next week in preparation for the Derby.

Said Holland, “She came out of her trial well and the plan now is to give her a spin over 550 yards. She ran from six in last night’s trial but we will put her inside next week as we are divided in our opinions as to where she is best suited. One half of the Syndicate want the inside while the other half favours wide”.

In Thursday’s trial, Ballydoyle Honey flew around in 28.29 in her first public appearance since the Oaks final. Holland had two other very fast triallist’s in Amazing Dude and Rural Hawaii.

By the way, Holland hopes to have ten or eleven runners in the Derby. He is set to give three more of his charges trials tonight at Shelbourne but his Doire Construction Champion Stakes winner Sidarian Vega will not be having a trial. Said Graham: “We are giving him a little rest, he has done enough and won’t appear before the Derby”.

Holland reported that one of his intended runners won’t be taking his place in the Derby. “Coran Sky did a TFL muscle and he won’t run. He was due to run on Saturday night but obviously won’t be running”.

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MURT’S STRONG DERBY HAND

Kilkenny trainer Murt Leahy is enjoying the best run of his career and finds himself with a few serious contenders for Derby glory.

At Shelbourne last Saturday his Ballybough Mike clocked a brilliant 29.47 for the 550 yards and then in Thursday’s session, his Material Man was fastest when going around in a flying best of the night 28.23.

Material Man hadn’t starred in his two races at Shelbourne but was third in the Red Mills Champion Unraced at Kilkenny and then was runner-up in the Champion Juvenile.

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HONEY’S FLYING PRE-DERBY TRIAL

There was a quite a turn-out for trials in advance of the BoyleSports Irish Derby yesterday at Shelbourne with Murt Leahy’s Material Man the star of the show as she covered the 525 yards in 28.23.

But the brilliant Oaks winner was less than a length slower as she flew around in 28.29 in her first outing since the Oaks decider. Her kennel companion Amazing Duke also shone as he stopped the clock in 28.32 while Owen McKenna’s Farloe Rumble flew around in 28.36.

The full list of trials was:

525yds:

28.23 Material Man 2.04

28.29 Ballydoyle Honey 2.10

28.32 Amazing Dude 1.99

28.36 Farloe Rumble 2.13

28.41 Rural Hawaii 2.07

28.43 Heathlawn  Tiger 2.01

28.56 Scooby The Star 2.11

28.81 Skip Glory 2.04

29.17 Bottle Of Stout 2.06

 

Thursday Morning Trials

525yds:

28.54 Ivy Hill Bart (.20slow)

28.85 Mile High Mork (.20slow)

29.10 Doubtful Venture (.20slow)

350yds:

18.85 Crackling Jack

19.02Whizzing Archie

19.50 Deanridge Pennys (stumbled start)

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BLAKE’S RACE FOR FULL DERBY FITNESS

Michael O’Donovan reported yesterday that his BoyleSports Irish Derby winner Laughil Blake is having quite a battle to be ready in time for the defence of his title when the Derby gets underway at Shelbourne two weeks tomorrow.

Laughil Blake won his last race in 29.54 when beating Midtown Raffa by two lengths over the Derby distance of 550 yards. However he drifted very wide on the opening bends then.

Following veterinary examination on the Sunday, trainer O’Donovan reported that the dog’s old metacarpal injury had not flared up again but that he had sustained a hock injury which would rule him out of the Doire Construction Champion Stakes.

Yesterday, O’Donovan introduced a little word of caution when reporting that, “It is a race against time to have him right; it is not proving as straight forward as we thought. We are working away on him but there is no way he will be able to trial this week. Hopefully he will be right to have a trial next week and then on to the Derby”.

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SPECIAL DERBY TRIAL SESSION

With the BoyleSports Irish Derby commencing two weeks tomorrow, opportunities are becoming limited for trials around the track in advance of the classic.

However there will be a special Derby Trial Session on Thursday next, August 6th, commencing at 4.30 pm. The normal ordinary trial session will take place earlier that day from 11am.

Entries for the Derby will close on Saturday, August 8th and the draw will be made in the Oaks Suite at Shelbourne on Monday, August 10th. The first round will then be run on Thursday, August 13th and Saturday, August 15th.

The last opportunity for dogs to have trials or races prior to the Derby will be on Saturday week, August 8th.