Rachel Holland's Derby blog - 7 May 2025

The wait is nearly over - the first round of the Star Sports & TRC English Greyhound Derby kicks off tomorrow and we’re all set to get started. Overall, the draw was kind to us and we have runners spread across the three nights, with five lining up on Thursday, two on Friday, and two on Saturday. 

 Here’s a closer look at each of our team’s heats and how they’re shaping up. 

Bockos Diamond (Wildcat) – Heat 6 

Our Derby campaign gets underway with none other than Wildcat, who lines up in Heat 6. It’s a strong heat, with Wicky Ned bringing a fantastic CV and plenty of Category 1 titles to the table, he is well drawn in trap 2. Also, Avongate Venus is a danger, she’s got proven form around Towcester, including her impressive victory in the Empress Stakes, last year. Wildcat’s in great form at home and if he runs his race, we’ll be delighted just to qualify.  

Swords Don (Ollie) – Heat 8 

Ollie hasn’t quite found his best form at Towcester yet, but he’s a dog we’ve always liked and his owner wanted to give him his chance in the Derby. It’s an interesting heat with Ballymac Pebb in trap 2, who has some fast sprints around Tralee and could be dangerous if he stays the trip. Ollie is in trap 1, which is ideal for him, and if he uses it well, we’re hopeful he can give a good account of himself. 

Riverside Pingu (Penguin) – Heat 8 

Penguin is back after time off with an injury and it’s his first run since February. It’s not ideal to have two kennel companions in the same heat, especially when they live together! Penguin’s in good shape though and we’ll just be hoping he gets a clear run and sneaks through to the next round.  

Val Tashadelek (Val) – Heat 9 

Val’s got trap 1 in heat 9 and we’re really pleased with the draw. There’s a few to watch in this heat - Romeo Tomcat looks a pup with great potential and Maireads Prince is no stranger to strong runs in Ireland. But if Val can make the most of the inside, we would be hoping to qualify. 

Cheap Sandwiches (Sambo) – Heat 10 

This looks a fair enough race for Sambo. The two-dog, Glory Lord, has some nice Shelbourne Park form, so definitely one to keep an eye on. Sambo’s in good form and if he comes away well, you’d like to hope he’ll be in the mix. 

Faypoint Susie – Heat 13 

It’s a strong heat for Susie and she’ll need to do everything right early. Ballymac Kobe is in trap 1 and ran an impressive race last time out. Toolmaker Quick was bought for good money in the pre-derby sales with a 28.85 trial around Towcester. Ballinabola Jim brings top-level Irish form too. It won’t be easy, but Susie loves Towcester and we would happily take third place. 

Faypoint Harvey – Heat 15 

Harvey’s drawn in trap 2, but it’s a tricky one with Romeo Steel just outside him in trap 3, he’s got early pace and tends to edge in. If Harvey can avoid getting caught up early, we’d like to think he’ll stay on well and give himself a chance. 

Bombay Pat (Mars) – Heat 27 

Mars is going really well at home and it’s a race you’d quietly fancy having a chance in. That said, there’s a couple to watch. Keylogues Runner in trap 4 has been impressive since joining Jamie Kingsley and has some nice form around Towcester. Kevin’s Rocket in trap 2 is worth noting too.  

Crokers Planet (Pluto) – Heat 31 

Pluto’s still new to us but has settled in well and trialled nicely. We don’t know loads about him yet, but he’s working well at home. Ballybough Nutz in trap 1 has some standout form from the Maiden Derby final, so it’s a big ask. Fingers crossed Pluto can do enough to qualify and we’ll learn more from the run. 

All in all, we’re absolutely delighted with how the team is shaping up ahead of the first round. It’s a huge few days for everyone involved and we’re proud to have nine runners lining up across the three nights. The dogs have travelled over in great form. Huge thanks as always to the team at home and abroad for their hard work, without them none of this would be possible. Finally, best of luck to all the connections taking part - the Derby is the pinnacle of our sport and it’s a privilege to be involved.