The highly anticipated English Puppy Derby semi-finals are set for Sunday at Towcester, with Ballymac Kobe emerging as the standout performer after clocking the fastest heat time. Trained by Maxine Locke, this young greyhound is building on a stellar year for the Romford handler, who also clinched the Premier Greyhound Racing Derby with Droopys Display.
Ballymac Kobe, a May 2023 offspring of Ballymac Cashout and Ballymac Merkle, demonstrated both speed and endurance in heat five. The talented greyhound dominated the race from the start, setting a joint-fastest sectional time of 4.08 seconds and winning by an impressive five-and-three-quarter lengths over rivals Bombay Bingo and Savana Woody, finishing in 28.88 seconds (+10).
Close behind in the performance was Paul Young’s Bombay Birch, who delivered a commanding win in heat six. The February 2023 son of Broadstrand Bono and Change Me led from the outset and crossed the line two-and-a-half lengths ahead of Ballymac Lucia, a littermate of Kobe, and Do Gooder. Birch completed the race in 28.92 seconds (+10), showcasing his own potential in the competition.
Locke’s success continued with Ballymac Blanco in heat two. This May 2023 son of Ballymac Vic and Ballymac Wisdom seized control early and secured victory over Skeard Josie and Bombay Nutty with a swift time of 28.99 seconds (+10). Meanwhile, heat one saw Roy Peckham’s Winscale Wonder dominate the field, winning from start to finish with a time of 29.10 seconds (+10).
Mark Wallis-trained Newinn Cloud also impressed in heat four, effortlessly leading the pack to a seven-length win over Droopys Mikado and Ballymac Mist, finishing in 29.02 seconds (+10). Heat three, however, was voided for safety reasons, advancing Farneys Mate, Thor Odinson, and King Jackson to the semi-finals.
Towcester’s director of racing, James Chalkley, remarked that the competition is shaping up to be a fiercely contested event with many strong contenders. He also highlighted the upcoming Christmas Bonanza on December 21, describing it as one of the season’s premier racing nights, complete with high-stakes races and special offers for attendees.
Chalkley expressed excitement about hosting the "Gone To The Dogs – Live!" team for their year-end feature and extended an open invitation to fans, noting that entry would be free for what promises to be a thrilling evening of racing.
The stage is set for an exhilarating semi-finals and an action-packed December, as greyhound racing’s brightest stars take centre stage.