The Derby dream remains alive for the Droopys Bookem team

Danno looks to book a Derby semi-final place

The English Derby dream remains alive for three men from the north-east who have reached the quarter final stage with a greyhound they only purchased together two months ago.

Droopys Bookem finished third behind Bockos Diamond and Cheap Sandwiches – arguably two of the world’s fastest dogs – to book his spot in Saturday’s quarter-finals at Towcester. 

It means Trimdon trainer Tom Heilbron plus co-owners Ben Collins and Michael Young are two races away from a shot at the £175,000 first prize and a place in greyhound racing history. 

The two-year-old blue dog was purchased in March and started his UK career with trials at Newcastle and Sunderland. He has since raced four times at Towcester, winning twice and posting a personal best time of 28.92 over the track’s 500m trip. 

Reaching the quarter-finals equals Heilbron’s previous best in the Derby when Pacemaker Ted qualified for the same stage in 2021. Droopys Bookem has been drawn in Saturday’s first quarter final, and Tom is hoping for a big run. 

He said: “He was drawn in a seriously hot heat in the third round and we were delighted he qualified. 

“This is what we’re in greyhound racing for, we dedicate our lives for moments like this. 

“To reach the semi-finals would be a huge achievement for everyone concerned and we have the right draw in trap one so fingers crossed.” 

For co-owner Ben, being represented in the English Greyhound Derby quarter-finals represents new territory. 

In fact, he had never qualified past round one before this year despite entering the competition on five separate occasions. Having owned greyhounds since he turned 18, Ben said Saturday could be one of the highlights of his time in ownership. 

“It’s crazy,” said Ben. “I can’t focus day-to-day – all that’s on my mind is thinking about finishing in the first three for our next two races. 

“We have a greyhound which can achieve that which is so exciting for myself, Tom and Michael. 

“He’s capable of posting 28.80 with a clear run, but we’re under no illusions that the five other greyhounds in the race are strong. The whole situation really does make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck. 

“A lot of people were confused on Saturday as we were cheering so loudly when the photo finish between Bockos Diamond and Cheap Sandwiches still hadn’t been finalised. We were obviously chuffed to finish third!”