Irish Greyhound Derby third round - Proper Heiress on top

Proper Heiress V Cheap Sandwiches lives up to the hype

When drawn last week, heat three looked tantalising to say the least. The first two from the 2024 Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby final in Bockos Diamond and Cheap Sandwiches, taking on UK challenger Proper Heiress, plus Star Sports & TRC English Derby semi-finalist Prince Naseem.

Even following the sad withdrawal of the defending champion, the lineup still stood out as the race of the night. So it proved to be! A good exit from both Proper Heiress and Cheap Sandwiches meant that it was game on from the opening bend, the pair going head to head down the back straight.

It looked as if Cheap Sandwiches was about to get on top at the three-quarter mark but reminiscent of the Time Juvenile at Towcester, when challenged by a Graham Holland-trained superstar, Proper Heiress dug deep into his depths of bravery to see off Cheap Sandwiches in a round leading 29.27. 

Quickest in each of the opening two rounds had been Bombay Pat. Unfortunately for him, Ballymac Stud, Lennies Dream and Rural Pest all produced their best sectional of the competition and despite looming up with his challenge from the third bend, Pat was unable to find a way past his kennelmate to secure further progress. Ballymac Stud landed the win for Liam Dowling in 29.35.

Like Proper Heiress, Shanahee Boomer is a perfect 3/3 in the Irish Derby, scoring for Kieran Lynch in 29.42. He sports the black jacket for the fourth straight time next week as he looks to add to his run of seven wins from his last eight starts. 

Five bitches have booked their place in the quarter-final stage next week but Magical Mag was the only one who got her head in front last night. A 29.51 was not quite as quick as the 29.42 she produced last week when beating De Lahdedah but Patrick Guilfoyle's runner is producing the consistency from the boxes that is required.

A 3.33 split from Singalong Curly saw him in control early for Pat Buckley. It was the quickest qualifying sectional of the round, leading to a  29.52 victory. He is the least exposed in the final 24 with just six career starts under his belt, winning five of those. Closely related to 2024 finalist Singalong Dolly, he is a fascinating rival for Proper Heiress next Saturday night. 

The opening heat of the night went to Unanimous Leo in a time of 29.58. He kicked off the only double in the round, with Buckley getting four runners through to the next round. He is one of four puppies left in the competition alongside Singalong Curly, Ballymac Stud and Glengar Silent. Three of those are under the care of Buckley! 

Cheque For Cash continued his unbeaten run through the competition with a 29.58 success for Karol Ramsbottom. A 3.36 split saw him quickly in control of his rivals, with De Lahdedah booking his slot in the final 24 behind him. Cheque For Cash is in the same quarter-final next week as Proper Heiress, with two of the three unbeaten dogs clashing.

Although the slowest winning time of the round was the 29.91 that Droopys Deploy produced, his run can be marked up a touch. Ballymac Stud was in front off the second bend, the other six winners were an always led on the night, whereas Robert Gleeson's winner got his head in front in the final strides having turned fourth.