Priceless Jet became the first dog to book a spot in the semi-finals of the Star Sports & TRC English Greyhound Derby on Saturday when setting a new track record in Quarter Final One.
Paul Hennessy’s experienced campaigner clocked 28.78 and led from start to finish ahead of race favourite Kildare and outsider Coppice Fox who also qualified for next week’s semi-finals.
There was disappointment for Signet Ace, Global Vision and Cape Cloud who bravely bowed out of the competition, finishing outside Quarter Final One’s top three.
A major upset in Quarter Final Two flipped the ante-post market on its head as previously unbeaten Ballinabola Ed finished fifth and saw his campaign end abruptly.
Despite badly missing the break, Pat Buckley’s dog quickly gained ground on his rivals to trail only Aussie Captain around turns one and two. Ballinabola Ed drew upsides with Aussie Captain off the final bend, but it was then that the drama unfolded.
Race winner Hello Hammond swooped by before Faughan Rebel charged from sixth to second while Deelish Frankie booked the final semi-final place by cutting under both Aussie Captain and Ballinabola Ed to finish third. Ballymac Fairone finished a length off those in sixth.
Romeo Magico was installed as new ante-post favourite after his sparkling victory in Quarter Final Three.
Graham Holland’s dog trapped level with Make Noise and Signet Denver to his inside while Lautaro on the outside remained in touch. But a blistering turn of foot down the backstraight sent Romeo Magico five lengths clear before confirming a comfortable four-and-three-quarter length win.
Make Noise and Lautaro were the other qualifiers. Derrinasafa Boss, Bobsleigh Dream and Signet Ace’s campaigns ended.
Romeo Magico’s ante-post hopes received a boost when the strongly fancied Singalong Sally could only finish fourth in a dramatic Quarter Final Four. The race was won by the fast-starting Signet Goofy, who won by three-and-a-quarter lengths.
Singalong Sally held second place off the third bend and looked to be closing in on victory. But her run was slightly impeded, allowing the strong-running Savana Beau to pull off a trademark home straight lunge and move from sixth to second.
In the crowd, there were scenes of joy as the popular Mickys Barrett ran on to finish third. Singalong Sally placed fourth while Ballymac Bevult and Kilkenny Santy were fifth and sixth respectively.
The 24-strong English Greyhound Derby field has now been cut to just 12, with the competition’s semi-finals taking place on Saturday, June 18. A full draw for both semi-finals can be viewed below.
Semi Final One – 7.48pm
Trap One: Savana Beau
Trap Two: Romeo Magico
Trap Three: Deelish Frankie
Trap Four: Mickys Barrett
Trap Five: Signet Goofy
Trap Six: Faughan Rebel
Semi Final Two – 8.05pm
Trap One: Hello Hammond
Trap Two: Kildare
Trap Three: Make Noise
Trap Four: Coppice Fox
Trap Five: Lautaro
Trap Six: Priceless Jet
Photo: Jim Tate Photography
