2024 GREYHOUND DERBY FINALS
As we approach the finals night, it has to be said we have witnessed some brilliant racing at Towcester since we started the first round on Thursday 23rd May. Thankfully, injuries have been few and far between, but losing Jaytee Etienne was a body blow to us all as enthusiasts of the sport. The incident threatened to overshadow what has been a fantastic spectacle with the possibility of a rerun taking place on Tuesday evening. Fortunately, common sense prevailed in the end and the right decision was made. However, in the cold light of day, the rule needs to be re-examined before it happens again!
On a happier note, we look forward to the climax of the Derby with three Irish and three British trained greyhounds in the final. Last year’s Derby Plate winner Whyaye Man runs the track well but will need to come away quicker if he is to win on Saturday. Ballymac Gizmo looks to have it all to do in this stellar line-up, but who can forget Astute Missile in 2017 with a similar profile. He only won one race and that was in the final itself! Antepost and current favourite King Memphis has been very consistent and dipped under the 29 second mark in all his races so far. He may have lost his unbeaten tag in the semifinal but only went down by a short-head in the end. De Lahdedah is probably Ireland’s best chance of winning the event again following Gaytime Nemo last year. He proved in his semifinal that the previous race was only a temporary set-back. Apart from the first round, Churchfield Syd has been the quickest out of the traps, and if he can lead again will take some passing. We all know, especially at Towcester, the leader at the first bend is a big advantage. Boylesports Bob is drawn outside his other wide rival in five so may struggle to get past Syd, but cannot discount any of the six finalists.
As with all finals, the draw can have a significant affect on the outcome of the race. I think the fact that King Memphis is drawn inside De Lahdedah in trap 3 gives him a slight advantage. Although favourites don’t have a good record in the Derby, he has a great chance to overcome that statistic this year. If Churchfield Syd gets a flyer from trap 5, he could cause the principles in the betting something to think about in attempting to make all from the front. Good luck to all connections on what should be a terrific night of racing, and all come back safe and sound.
I’ve also provided ratings for most of the other events and hopefully help in finding a few winners on the night. This is obviously my last contribution in covering the English Greyhound Derby. If you have found it informative and useful, please ‘like’ the link on Greyhound Racing Weekly’s X (Twitter) account and will cover the Irish Greyhound Derby in October in a similar fashion.
Race no. 1
Race no. 2
Race no. 3
Race no. 5
Race no. 6
Race no. 7
Race no. 8
Race no. 9
Race no. 10
Race no. 11
Race no. 13
