Who are the favourites for the Irish greyhound derby?

With the return of the Irish greyhound derby vastly approaching, supporters and punters a like are gearing up to place their bets. For almost 70 years, Shelbourne Park has been the permanent home of the derby after having several venues in years before, with this being one of the biggest events on the racing calendar. Many will be counting down the days and scouring the latest tips for greyhound racing, with the hopes of picking a winner in what is sure to be an unpredictable 550 yards. 

More good news is that due to the changes in the government’s coronavirus guidelines, spectators can return to Dublin for this year’s event, with the majority of the last calendar allowed to continue, but take place behind closed doors, lacking the crowds to really show their support.

Now the Irish greyhound derby is back and excitement is in the air. Last year’s winner Newinn Taylor was a shock victor after one of the favourites, English Derby champion Priceless Blake, had to withdraw and was declared a non-runner. The reigning champion is not in this year’s event, so a new winner will be crowned. Here we list our favourites that look the most likely to seal victory at Shelbourne Park.

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Explosive Boy

Fresh from winning the prestigious Larry O’Rourke National Produce Stakes in Clonmel, the dog, trained by Moneygall’s Patrick Guilfoyle, tops the bill to go all the way in Dublin. By no means in an easy heat, coming up against the likes of Edencurra Brae and Stefans Rocket, Explosive Boy will have to work extremely hard to go all the way and win the top prize, which last year amassed to a massive €125,000.

Priceless Blake

The Paul Hennessy-trained Priceless Blake had to withdraw from last years competition as mentioned before, despite being tipped by many to go all the way in Dublin. This year, he is back and with crowds allowed in to watch the pressure is turned up a notch. With most of Hennessy’s interest at the start of the calendar more geared towards horse racing, entering into the Cheltenham Festival, he can now spend all of his time on the former English greyhound winner. 

Broadstrand Ryan

The Ryan-Drake-Donovan Syndicate will want to make their presence known throughout the weekend of racing with their talented entry Broadstrand Ryan. Having won six from his last 12, he boasts one of the best win percentages throughout the list of races, entering at 40/1 to win the whole thing at Shelbourne Park.

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De Machine

Coming in with 20/1 odds is De Machine. The Two-year-old last ran 500m back in June, finishing fourth in races at Towcester. Certainly coming in as the outside chance of winning, he enters heat 10 which is more than winnable, with the only formidable competition coming from Sonny The Kid, owned by the experienced Mary J. Heffernan, who already has three wins this calendar year. If De Machine advances from the heats, he has a real chance of causing another upset victory similar to Newinn Taylor.