Rachel Holland's Derby blog - 24 April 2025

Rachel Holland's Derby blog

It was another solid week for the team, with Yorkie Ollie and Cheap Sandwiches both winning at Towcester and several others running well in tough company. The highlight in Ireland, was Faypoint Ranger landing the Con & Annie Kirby Memorial in a brilliant race. It was a hugely deserved success for his long-time supporters Chris and Patricia Flanagan, who have been fantastic backers of greyhound racing and the kennel. A special night for everyone involved. 

Back across the pond, Yorkie Ollie has taken to Towcester extremely well, and we’re delighted with how he’s shaping up. Cheap Sandwiches missed the break but showed great determination to win - another ideal prep run for him following his winter break, and it sets him up nicely ahead of the Derby. 

Bockos Diamond made his return to the track last week and we were absolutely delighted with the performance. He missed the break but ran ever so well in what was his first race in over four months. There’s no substitute for a race and this outing should bring him on a ton. We would have preferred a slightly easier return, but the opportunity was there with the Time Juvenile and we couldn’t turn down such a great chance. It served as the perfect preparation and Proper Heiress was a very worthy and deserving winner. Wildcat has come out of the race in great form and we’re really looking forward to the Derby with him now. 

Bombay Pat is set to have a one-off run after his winter rest this Sunday and finds himself in a very tough contest. With the track record holder Barntick Bear on his inside and March on Freddie out in five, it is as tough a race as you could ask for on return. Still, it is an interesting race and we’ll take a lot from it moving forward. 

Faypoint Susie continues to show her love for Towcester. She’s competed in the last two Derby’s and has performed with credit both times. Following a litter to Newinn Taylor, she trialled very nicely and continues to thrive on travelling and racing. She lines up in a very strong race on Sunday - one that looks ideal for Romeo Command - but if Susie runs well, we’ll be more than happy. 

Ardera Sam has had a few unlucky runs around Towcester but showed a bit more last time despite trouble in running. He’s drawn well in trap one this week, which should help, but he’ll need everything to go right in what looks like another tricky contest. 

All in all, it’s been a positive week for the team with some encouraging performances and valuable race experience as we build toward the big target - the 2025 Star Sports English Greyhound Derby. With several runners in action again this weekend in tough trial stakes, we’re hoping for a bit of luck along the way. Entries for the Derby close next Monday, so by this time next week we’ll know exactly who our final team will be.