In a spectacular display at the 2024 Star Sports & TRC English Greyhound Derby at Towcester on Saturday, leading English hopes Crafty Shivoo and King Memphis set a strong pace, challenging their Irish counterparts in the third round of the competition.
The Northamptonshire circuit was buzzing with excitement as a large crowd gathered to witness the intense battles for the quarter-final spots in the prestigious £175,000-to-the-winner Classic. Crafty Shivoo once again showcased her exceptional speed, building on her near track-record run in the second round. Despite a moderate start, her powerful pace enabled her to seize victory in the night's most competitive heat.
Facing the defending champion Gaytime Nemo, Crafty Shivoo broke ahead, though De Lahdedah posed a significant threat off the second bend. Mark Wallis’s Empress Stakes winner held firm, demonstrating resilience and skill to edge out De Lahdedah by a neck, finishing in a stunning 28.62 seconds. Gaytime Nemo managed to qualify in third, maintaining his bid to become a rare double Derby winner.
King Memphis also shone brightly, winning his heat with a commanding performance. The Olympic champion exhibited his explosive turn of foot to take the lead from Ballinabola Ed, ultimately winning by three and three-quarter lengths in 28.74 seconds. This victory solidified King Memphis's status as a top contender for the quarter-finals.
The third round kicked off with a victory for Irish Derby champion The Other Kobe, who delivered a solid front-running performance in 28.77 seconds. The race saw The Other Kobe rail into the lead, taking advantage of his kennelmate Clonbrien Treaty's wide-running tactics, which cost the latter a spot in the quarter-finals.
Other notable Irish successes included John Byrne’s Grouchos Duke, who led early to secure a win in 28.98 seconds, and Liam Dowling’s Ballymac Slick, who clinched victory in the final heat by a narrow margin, finishing in 28.97 seconds. Dowling expressed his delight, noting Ballymac Slick’s strong trapping ability and impressive finishing speed.
Maxine Locke’s Droopys Pivotel, the youngest runner remaining in the Derby, displayed remarkable form, winning his heat in 28.93 seconds. Richard Rees’s Churchfield Syd also impressed, leading from the start to win his heat in 29.19 seconds.
Patrick Janssens continued his successful Derby campaign with Droopys Doughnut, who dominated his heat with a two and a half lengths victory in 28.93 seconds. Janssens expressed satisfaction with Droopys Doughnut's performance, highlighting the greyhound’s speed and agility.
The night was filled with thrilling races and remarkable performances, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying quarter-final round. As the competition intensifies, both English and Irish greyhounds are poised to deliver more unforgettable moments in the quest for Derby glory.