The 93rd running of the Star Sports English Greyhound Derby at Towcester Racecourse is only four days away.
Ahead of the £175,000 Grand Final, our team caught up with connections of all six finalists to gather their thoughts before the lids rise on the world’s most famous, prestigious and historic race of all.
Trap One – Cochise.
Charlie Rees said: “We’re happy with trap one. I don’t think any other greyhound in the race wants to be bang on the rails so we’re happy to be inside of everyone.
“If there’s a bit of trouble at the bend we’ll be stuck to the rails. The owners are thrilled and the dog has done fantastic this year.
“He’s reached three major finals and won one at Central Park in January. To be in a Derby final is a great achievement.”
Trap Two – Gaytime Nemo
Nicky Holland said: “We’re pleased with Trap Two. We’d like to think if he comes away well he’ll get a good run to the first bend.
“All six finalists are sensible, mature, greyhounds and you’d like to think they’ll all run their line. Who knows, if he can get around the bend in front he’d be a tough nut to crack.”
Trap Three – Romeo Command
Patrick Janssens: “We’re pleased with Trap Three. That’s where he wants to be. He’s in great form but this is a strong race and he has to come out running to stand any chance.
“Swords Rex will have more pace going into the bend, but hopefully we’ll have enough to hold him off and be just on the inside of him.”
Trap Four – Swords Rex
Nicky Holland said: “He loves Towcester. He’s really shown that. He thrives on his racing and is a real competition dog.
“The more he races, the better he likes it. He hits the sand and is super fast to the first bend and really strong down the backstraight. That’s what we need him to do on Saturday because the fastest dog doesn’t always win.
Trap Five – Clona Duke
Nicky Holland: “He’s the baby of the field, but that won’t be a problem to him. He was the baby of the field in the Juvenile at Shelbourne Park and he won that from Trap Four.
“It’d be lovely to see him break as he did in the first round when he initially broke the track record. If he hits the front, he’ll be super strong!”
Trap Six – Ninja Kerry
Belinda Green said: “To make a Derby final is amazing. This is what we all do it for, to reach these big races.
“Ninja Kerry is the only greyhound to reach the final and not win a race, but he’s there on merit and the last five weeks are behind us now. He’s a proven Category One champion and the fact he’s here after the trouble we’ve had is amazing for not only the kennel but the dog too.
“We’re keeping our fingers crossed and he’s been in great form. It’s a longshot, but we’re going to make the most of it.”
TICKETS for the Star Sports English Greyhound Derby Final on Saturday, July 1, are available to purchase either online or on the door. Adults are priced £33, 15-17 are £16 and ALL children aged 14 and under go FREE! The first race is due off at 6.04pm.
