Bockos Diamond leads Graham Holland's Irish Greyhound Derby team

Irish Greyhound Derby 2025  

The Irish Greyhound Derby has absolutely flown around this year and we’re absolutely delighted to have 10 runners taking their chance. It’s always the highlight of the racing calendar and with seven runners going on Friday night (hopefully that will be a lucky number for us) and three more on Saturday, the excitement is really building. 

Cheap Sandwiches – “Sambo” 

Sambo was in the last heat of last year’s Derby but this year he was the very first dog drawn into the first heat! He’s landed himself a great draw in Heat 1, Trap 6 and it looks a race he should be able to qualify from – if not win. 

Ballyhimikin Rio in trap 4 looks a very smart sort, winning five of his six starts so far. It’s a step up in grade for him, but he looks like he’ll really suit Shelbourne. Flight Club, in trap 5, reached the final of the St. Leger and finished runner-up there, so he’ll be a danger too. All in all, it’s a strong race. 

Snazzy Boss – “Dennis” 

Dennis runs in Heat 2, Trap 6. Toolmaker Josepe is in trap 1 who’s a very fast dog, though he lacks a bit of early pace. He looks to have all the makings of a top-class stayer. Also, Lennies Madge, in trap 5, made the final of the Maiden Derby at Shelbourne. 

This is a race Dennis should lead if he breaks and once he’s on the bunny, he’s very hard to pick up. He showed that when clocking 28.41 (+20) around Cork just two weeks ago. 

Faypoint Harvey – “Harvey” 

Harvey lines up in Heat 3, Trap 1, and he’s well drawn on the fence. It’s another good race: Droopys Patriot (trap 2) was only just beaten in the National Sprint final last week, while Westway Rossa (trap 4) is a smart bitch who enjoys the longer run to the bend. Lemon Joey, in trap 6, won the Produce Stakes and is another strong contender. 

Harvey’s draw gives him every chance. He’s a dog who always gives his all and qualifies round after round. He did us proud in the English Derby and in the Irish St. Leger this year. His consistency is remarkable, having finished in the first three 30 times from 40 starts. 

Bockos Diamond – “Wildcat” 

Wildcat goes in Heat 5, Trap 6. Everyone knows what a good dog he is, but this is another very strong race. Shanahee Boomer (trap 1) won the Maiden Derby just two weeks ago, Epic Ace (trap 2) reached the National Sprint final at Dundalk and Ballymac Lake (trap 3) looks a very promising puppy. 

Wildcat can’t afford any mistakes. We gave him a nice rest after the English Derby, so he’s not quite back to full fitness yet – he’s been tying up a bit in trials as a result but that will come with racing. His ability speaks for itself but it’s all about qualifying at this stage.  

Bombay Pat – “Mars” 

Mars runs in Heat 6, Trap 5. Toolmaker King in trap 4 looks a real nice sort and should enjoy the 550-yard trip. He posted a slick 28.26 last week and has a 28.13 on his Cork card. Hello Diego, is another big player – he was favourite for the St. Leger two weeks ago, ran brilliantly throughout the competition and only missed the break in the final. He has been a terrific servant for his owners and trainer. 

Mars seems to have come out of the English Derby really well. After a short rest, he’s returned in great form. He clocked a fast 29.32 two weeks ago on his comeback run and we’re really looking forward to seeing what he can do in this year’s Derby. 

Bushpark Rodney – “Rodney”  

Rodney runs in Heat 11 Trap 3. This is a strong heat with the likes of Bubbly Charger in Trap 1 who was a quarter-finalist in the English Derby and a Con & Annie Kirby Memorial finalist. Hackney Corner was a finalist in the Champion Puppy 550 and has a quick 29.43 done for 550 at Shelbourne. Also, Ballymac Tibet won the Champion Plate and finished fourth in the Juvenile Derby. 

Rodney has to break better than he did last week, which was his first time at Shelbourne but he has broken 28.00s around Cork previously. He should come on from last weeks run and we’d be delighted to qualify here. 

Swords Style – “Teddy” 

Teddy lines up in Heat 12, Trap 1 and he’s ideally drawn at the fence. It’s taken him a little while to get used to Shelbourne, but last week it all seemed to click. He’s still only a September 2023 whelp but he’s had seven races and won four. He’s really coming into form at home and with a bit of luck in the draws, could go very well in the Derby. 

Drombeg Banner, in trap 4, is the recent St. Leger champion and will be one to respect. He’s still short on experience at Shelbourne so that lack of track knowledge could catch him out. Even so, with his natural ability he should challenge. 

Fahee Phantom – “Damian” 

Damian runs in Heat 15, Trap 4. He’s an up-and-coming dog and this is a nice race. Carrick Scholsey, a September 2023 pup, clocked an impressive 29.33 for the 550 last week. Ballymac Kamala in trap 1 is very well bred, while Kereight Pimple won a Derby Trial Stake recently in fine style. 

We’re hopeful Damian can qualify. He’s lightly raced and took a bit of time to get his trapping boots, but in his last two races he’s really got the hang of it, posting a quick 28.11 (+20) at Cork last weekend.  

Rural Pest – “Pesty” 

Pesty goes in Heat 17, Trap 6. With Bartlemy Mainoo withdrawn due to injury, he’s our sole runner in the race now. Pest should qualify here, if everything goes to plan. He was a little unlucky in the Puppy Derby at Shelbourne, charging the boxes too soon and getting caught at the bend, but he had been running very well throughout the competition. Cagey Billy, having reached the final of the Tipperary Cup, is the main danger. 

Faypoint Ranger – “Hoffa” 

Hoffa runs in Heat 21, Trap 1 and he’s been a great dog for us, winning the Con & Annie Kirby earlier in the year. He’s very well drawn on the inside but he’s coming back from some niggles, so he’ll benefit from the run. For him, it’s all about qualifying. 

There’s a few interesting sorts in this heat but if Boylesports Bob returns to his best form he’ll be the main danger. He made both the English and Irish Derby finals last year and has been a very good servant for his connections.  

We’re delighted to have 10 runners across the heats and couldn’t be prouder of the team for getting us here. The Irish Greyhound Derby is always special and this year looks no different. If you’re lucky enough to have a dog competing, the very best of luck for the weekend – it promises to be a fantastic few nights of racing at Shelbourne.