2026 Star Sports & Orchestrate Ltd English Greyhound Derby final

English Greyhound Derby final

We are down to the final five in the 2026 renewal of the Star Sports & Orchestrate Ltd English Greyhound Derby. Despite being a runner short, it looks one of the most compelling and open renewals in recent memory. 

Prices are from the sponsors Star Sports. 

1 - Ballymac Duffle - Liam Dowling - Mr L Dowling - 9/4

Looked the type to go all the way when setting track records in the opening two rounds. Has cooled off a little since but he has been handed what looks to be an excellent draw to work form this evening, 2/2 in red so far in the competition. 

The figures from the third bend home show that nothing will be running on as strongly as this boy so if he were to find a way around in front, there would be no picking him up. The question is how close to the speed does he turn?

2 - Ballymac Ralf - Liam Dowling - Mr L Dowling - 9/2

Produced some smart efforts through the competition both from the front and from behind. His best split in the competition came when he sported the blue jacket back in the third round when giving Hackney Corner a fair beating of four and three-quarter lengths. 

Made up plenty of ground in his semi-final to make it through to the decider but the figures from the third bend on the clock didn't match up with the visual impression. He was coming past dogs going backwards rather than flying home but leading up Duffle would give him a huge chance.

3 - Lennies Eddie - Paul Hennessy - Mr L Craze - 8/1

Although Lennies Eddie is the outsider of the field, he has to be given a huge amount of respect as he is so consistent. The white jacket has not been a starting spot that's enjoyed much success through the Derby but connections are proud to be lining up.

He has produced a 3.84 split in each of his last three runs which might not be enough to see him turn in front here. A best of 3.80 in a trial stake would make things more interesting with his chance hinging on that break.

4 - Hackney Corner - Pat Buckley - Hackney Boys Syndicate - 4/1

The draw inside or outside of Ballymac Deniro was one of the most interesting talking points ahead of the Derby Lunch on Monday afternoon. As it turned out, he was the first of the two middle runners out of the drum so he has that inside line, now he had to take advantage of it. 

He timed his break perfectly in that semi-final with a 3.73 split, a repeat of which would see him front rank at the opening bend once more. The question he has to answer is if he can do that again as his second best has been a 3.82. 

5 - Ballymac Deniro - Liam Dowling - Mr L Dowling - 2/1

The winning times that he produced in his quarter-final and semi-final wins are both quicker than any of his rivals have achieved so far in this competition which suggests that he is the right one at the head of the market. 

Clearing Hackney Corner is going to be his big task this evening, with his last two sectionals of 3.78 and 3.74 suggesting that he is capable of going up level at worst. He picks up plenty of speed heading from line to bend and the draw on the outside of the field looks to be to his advantage.  

Conclusion 

This is a super renewal with all five of the runner holding claims to lifting the famous trophy. Not enough praise can be heaped upon Liam Dowling for another unbelievable Derby campaign that will see him field 60% of the runners in the final. What makes it more remarkable is that they have only had 31 races between them, with 15 of those in this competition!

It's all on the break here with the two big questions being who takes control of the rails early out of Ballymac Duffle and Ballymac Ralf and then who leads through the middle out of Hackney Corner and Ballymac Deniro.

I'll take Deniro in five to get the job done, he has the more consistent sectionals compared to Hackney Corner and already has decisions over both of this kennelmates at Tralee in March as well as over Duffle in the semis here.  

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