KERRYROAD AL CROWNED TIME CLUB DERBY CHAMPION

Peter Farrell

The 2026 TIME Club Derby A4 525 reached its conclusion at Limerick Greyhound Stadium on Saturday night and, after five weeks of enthralling competition, it was Kerryroad Al that emerged a thoroughly deserving winner of the €20,000 first prize.

The innovative competition produced no shortage of drama throughout and the final proved a fitting climax as Kevin McLean's star produced a dominant display to record the biggest success of his career.

The final itself promised to be an open affair and it certainly burst into life from traprise. Kerryroad Al was narrowly headed in the opening strides by the even-money favourite Imagine If, however, Rossa Shelby displayed exceptional early pace from the red jacket to charge up the inside of both rivals and briefly seize control. Her advantage was short-lived, however, as she drifted off the opening bend, allowing Kerryroad Al, who had tracked the bend superbly, to burst through on the inside and assume command entering the back straight. Further behind, Eimears Lady held a handy fourth position, while Private Luna and the strong-running Bundle Of Fivers occupied the rear, both with plenty of work to do if they were to get involved.

AL TAKES CONTROL

Up front, however, Kerryroad Al was in complete control. The Kevin McLean-trained runner quickly began to stretch clear of his rivals and, by halfway, the 3/1 joint second favourite had opened up a three-length advantage. More significantly, he was growing stronger with every stride. Bundle Of Fivers, who had once again been out with the washing in the early exchanges, began to unleash his customary late charge. Pauline McNamara's brindled runner showed tremendous back-straight pace to move into second and gave chase, briefly threatening to make a race of it as he set off after the leader.

AL PROVES TOO STRONG

Any hopes of Bundle Of Fivers bridging the gap were soon extinguished. Kerryroad Al had repeatedly showcased his exceptional stamina throughout the TIME Club Derby and, once again, the powerful son of Head Bound and Fancy Tulip found even more in the closing stages. Drawing further and further clear, he crossed the line six lengths to the good to bring the curtain down on another hugely successful renewal of this brilliant initiative.

MINOR PLACINGS

Bundle Of Fivers (7/1) lost little in defeat. Once again producing his now customary strong finish, he confirmed himself as a greyhound certain to appreciate a step up in distance in the months ahead, finishing three lengths clear of Eimears Lady (7/2) in third. Connections of the Brian Robinson-trained bitch also deserve enormous credit. Having made the long journey from County Tyrone throughout the competition, she consistently performed with distinction and their commitment was rewarded with an excellent third-place finish and €4,600 in prize money.

A MEMORABLE VICTORY

The night, however, belonged to Kerryroad Al. It was a performance full of authority from Kevin McLean's star, who capped a superb Derby campaign with a blistering 28.46 victory. Congratulations are extended to Kevin McLean and all the winning connections on a thoroughly deserved success. Credit must also go to Willie Rigney, John Fox and everyone at TIME Greyhound Nutrition for their outstanding sponsorship, which has helped establish the TIME Club Derby as one of the most innovative and eagerly anticipated competitions on the Irish greyhound racing calendar.

*****

HAZEL LANDS CONSOLATION PRIZE

Aside from the main event, there was also a Consolation final down for decision and this was won by Carrigmore Hazel (5/2) for the Epe-Brosnan-Syndicate.

Carrigmore Hazel had produced a series of fine performances throughout the main event but saw her Derby campaign come to an end at the semi-final stage, finishing fifth behind eventual champion Kerryroad Al. Connections, however, would have been delighted to gain compensation in the consolation final, which proved a one-sided affair from the outset. Drawn in trap three, the daughter of Ballymac Cooper and Carrigmore Daisy pinged the lids and quickly asserted, opening up a commanding four-length advantage entering the back straight. From there, it was never in doubt. Maintaining a relentless gallop throughout, she went on to land the €1,000 first prize by four and a half lengths from Gortkelly Bart in second. The winning time was 28.93.

GODES LANDS A3 600 DECIDER

Elsewhere on the card, which was entirely sponsored by TIME Greyhound Nutrition, the final of the A3 600 went on offer, with Leamaneigh Godes coming out on top at odds of 5/1.

Like the Derby consolation final, this contest was effectively over at traprise as Leamaneigh Godes broke brilliantly from her trap five berth and quickly swept to the front, turning clear of Maree Solano at the opening bend. Holding a two-and-a-half-length advantage for much of the contest, the daughter of Grangeview Ten and Peters Queen looked firmly in command throughout. Mystical Ranger emerged from the pack to launch a powerful late challenge, but Leamaneigh Godes always had enough in reserve to repel her rival by one and a half lengths. The winning time was 33.00.