The wait is nearly over as the first round of the 2026 BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby is held this Friday and Saturday at Shelbourne Park.
The field entered includes 100 inside seeds, 26 middle and 18 wides. The number of entries means that all 24 races at this stage have six greyhounds in each and no vacant boxes.
It also signifies four will qualify from every heat as well.
The days of over-subscribed Derby competitions are long gone, and this trend is unlikely to change.
However, the quality of the event is no less diminished so bring it on as they say.
Last year’s winner Cheap Sandwiches has retired after a brilliant career.
Known as Sambo, his ability and consistency on the track have been remarkable to say the least.
Although not competing, who knows, he may be given the honour of leading the parade for this year’s final – but that’s six weeks away!
Ratings
Similar to previous derbies, the heats in the opening two rounds are rated separately so no overall comparison can be made between all the competitors.
Nevertheless, it is always a challenge to find one or two greyhounds ante post before the start of the event.
The first option is a talented bitch called Ballymac Kemala at 28/1. She went out in the opening round last year after stumbling half-way and could only finish fifth.
Very recently, she won the Boylesports Champion Stakes over track and distance in 29.15. Not box dependent and clearly in form, Liam Dowling’s bitch is a good each-way pick.
A second selection is a relative outsider called Kapuka Coley. As a wide runner for Karol Ramsbottom, he is almost guaranteed to be housed in trap 6 throughout the competition.
This puppy has potential in abundance and was runner-up to Im Here in the Time Puppy Derby last month at Shelbourne Park.
Value call
Stepping up in distance should not be an issue and 80/1 as opposed to the winner at 25s is the value call.
Good luck to connections who are all hoping for a successful campaign.
Lennies Eddie is attempting to do the ‘Derby Double’ and runs in the last heat of the first round.
We may not have any British-trained entries this year but it remains the pinnacle of Irish greyhound racing at the Headquarters in Dublin.
