DERBY DRAW THROWS UP SOME TREMENDOUS CLASHES

Ian Fortune

Those tuning into watch the draw for the opening round of the BOYLE Sports Irish Greyhound Derby were left to wait on Monday afternoon but it was worth it with the draw throwing up some absolutely outstanding heats.

Pic right: Making The Draw for the 2026 BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby are RM Dylan Brennan, Sye Adamson representing sponsors BoyleSports and RM Conor Matthews.      Pic: Imelda Grauer

Chief amongst them is Heat 10. Kennel companions and namesakes, 2024 Derby champion Bockos Diamond and Kirby Memorial finalist Bockos Gold will lock horns, but throw in the 2025 Juvenile Derby champion Getup The Boy, Puppy Derby finalist Slick Sanctuary and 2025 Derby finalist Glengar Silent, as well as the early paced Harlequin Gee Up and it is the undoubted contest of the round.

A total of 18 wide seeds and 26 middle seeds went into the draw with the remaining 100 going in as inside seeds. The fact that 144 was reached in the entry means there will be 12 heats on Friday night and 12 on Saturday.

***Four will qualify from each leaving the magical 96 for the second round.***