Five greyhounds with Galway connections remain in
with a chance of capturing the €140,000 winners’ prize in the 2019
Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby ahead of this weekend’s second round
action.
The Irish Greyhound Derby is the most prestigious race in the Irish greyhound calendar and boasts a prize-fund of over €300,000.
Friday and Saturday saw 156 greyhounds whittled
down to 96, with Fast Fit Act, owned by John Quinn in Gort and trained
by Gerry Holian in Athenry, winning the penultimate heat of the first
round in a time of 29.81 seconds. Jumierah Buddy,
Jumeirah Sprite and Razldazl Peaky, all with Galway owners, qualified
from their heats with Doona Buck, also trained by Gerry Holian,
progressing as well.
All five greyhounds join 91 others in the second
round of the competition, which takes place in Shelbourne Park Greyhound
Stadium this weekend.
Racing Manager with the Leinster Racing Office, Derek Frehill, commented:
“The first round heats of
the 2019 Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby produced the high quality
track action that greyhound racing fans around the world wait all year
to see. It was great to see such a healthy crowd
present here in Shelbourne Park. We’re sure the second round will
provide the same this weekend.
I have no doubt the excitement will only increase as the climax
of the competition draws ever closer on September 21st. I want to wish
the best of luck to all still involved.”
Payments
will be staggered for heat winners with larger rewards for greyhounds
winning later rounds, particularly quarter and semi-finals, following on
from last
year’s increase in this area.
The final of the 2019 Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby will be held on Saturday, September 21st, at Shelbourne Park.
2019 Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby, 2nd round – Galway interest:
Friday, August 23rd:
Heat 1: Doona Buck (trained by Gerry Holian, Athenry)
Heat 2: Fast Fit Act (trained by Gerry Holian, Athenry and owned by John Quinn, Gort)
Heat 2: Jumeirah Buddy (owned by Jimmy Buckley, Athenry and trained by Gerry Holian, Athenry)
Heat 2: Razldazl Peaky (owned by Kildare-Kilcolgan syndicate)
Heat 4: Jumeirah Sprite (owned by Jimmy Buckley, Athenry)
