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Derby Final Draws Near
Greyhound. Source: gbgb.org.uk

Derby Final Draws Near

KING MEMPHIS heads into Saturday’s semi-finals of the 2024 Star Sports & TRC English Greyhound Derby after a stunning front-running performance in the second quarter-final of the £175,000-to-the-winner Classic last weekend.

On a night where the field was narrowed from 23 to 12 – soon to be six – King Memphis and Irish raider Boylesports Bob emerged as the fastest winners, each delivering dominant victories in their respective quarter-finals. Liz McNair’s King Memphis was once again flawless.

Starting strong from the inside, the December 2021 son of Droopys Sydney and Queen Beyonce led from the start, securing a five and a quarter lengths victory over Whyaye Man (Mark Wallis) in 28.65 seconds, with Ballymac Gizmo (Liam Dowling) also advancing to the semi-finals.

Ireland’s Boylesports Bob was just three spots slower in the fourth quarter-final. Paul Hennessy’s strong contender, who had missed the break badly seven days prior, showed improved early pace and proved too strong for his rivals.

Cooliogold (Maxine Locke) led down the backstretch, but Boylesports Bob surged ahead by halfway, pulling away for a ten and a half lengths victory in 28.68 seconds. Coss Tokyo (Maxine Locke) and De Lahdedah (Liam Dowling) also qualified.

The quarter-finals began with a win for Richard Rees-trained Churchfield Syd, who capitalized on Crafty Shivoo’s (Mark Wallis) stumble to lead and secure a popular victory.

The June 2021 son of Droopys Sydney and Millbank Jade won by three and a quarter lengths over Droopys Pivotel (Maxine Locke) in 29.08 seconds, with defending champion Gaytime Nemo (Graham Holland) ensuring his Derby double bid remains alive by narrowly qualifying.

Liam Dowling’s Ballymac Slick, another promising youngster, showcased his improvement throughout the competition in the third quarter-final. The July 2022 son of Ballymac Cooper and Ballymac Merkle caught reigning Irish Derby champion The Other Kobe (Graham Holland) close to the finish.

The Other Kobe had led much of the way after overtaking Droopys Doughnut at the turn but was ultimately overtaken by Ballymac Slick, who won by a length and a quarter in 29.22 seconds. Edwards (Patrick Janssens) secured the third qualifying spot.

Trap Draw for Saturday’s Star Sports & TRC English Greyhound Derby Semi-Finals:

First Semi-Final:

  1. De Lahdedah (Liam Dowling)
  2. Edwards (Patrick Janssens)
  3. Gaytime Nemo (Graham Holland)
  4. Whyaye Man (Mark Wallis)
  5. Coss Tokyo (Maxine Locke)
  6. Boylesports Bob (Paul Hennessy) (w)

Second Semi-Final:

  1. Ballymac Gizmo (Liam Dowling)
  2. The Other Kobe (Graham Holland)
  3. Droopys Pivotel (Maxine Locke)
  4. King Memphis (Liz McNair)
  5. Ballymac Slick (Liam Dowling) (m)
  6. Churchfield Syd (Richard Rees) (w)
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