Double delight for Guilfoyle in Derby

TRAPRISE

The 2026 BOYLE Sports Irish Greyhound Derby has begun to fully reveal those elite level performers who can hold viable claims for victory in racing’s blue riband at Shelbourne Park over the past two weekends and firmly amongst those leading contenders is a brace of second round winners for trainer Pat Guilfoyle.

On the back of a truly remarkable opening round victory in the classic when somehow getting up on the line for victory in 29.53 for the 550-yards, Sandra Guilfoyle’s Waitingforastar (Droopys Jet-Magical Poppy) produced another stunning performance to remain unbeaten in the Derby on Saturday last.

Facing another treacherous draw in trap 4 for Heat 14 with a host of sharp rivals on either side, the June 2024 youngster was again headed in the early stages following another ponderous break on Saturday. However, smart pace on the run to the opening bend secured safe passage to third position upon turning and the Moneygall powerhouse was close enough to leader Droopys Monk when three and a half lengths adrift at the top of the backstraight. What followed was another emphatic display of Waitingforastar’s raw power from halfway as the Moneygall classic hopeful rapidly reduced arrears to stalk the leader entering the final bend. From that point, the Guilfoyle winner swept to the lead entering the home straight and staying strongly, extended to a dismissive four length winning margin in 29.35.

There is no doubt that he must keep closer order in the early stages of his heats going forward as there are stars in this Derby who simply can’t be caught when leading. However, it can’t be questioned that Waitingforastar possesses the raw speed of only a rare few in any generation and as such, is a major contender for outright victory with quotes of 12/1.

Completing the Guilfoyle double in the concluding heat of the second round was Wi Can James (Ballymac Cashout-Right Nicki) for loyal kennel supporters Lars & Anita Wicander, stepping up from his opening round second for a classy first heat victory.

The race was reduced to four runners, but that fact can not detract from the performance of Wi Can James having begun with a smart break from trap 2. Reaching the opening bend with a strong length in hand of Mill Willow, James thoroughly dominated from that point and stretching his advantage all along the backstraight, completed victory with a commanding six and a half lengths to spare over that same rival in a brilliant 29.21.

Such was the impression left by Wi Can James, he is now second favourite for the Derby at 8/1 with only Bouncing Monarch ahead of him in the market. The latter Michael O’Donovan favourite is just 3/1 for Debry victory having again gone fastest with 29.11 in his Friday victory.

Outside of these double winning exploits, Pat Guilfoyle guided a third runner to the last 48 this coming weekend as Magical Jet (Droopys Jet-Magical Poppy) found another safe qualification from his Friday qualifier.

Third on the previous weekend, the June 2024 whelp began on terms from trap 1 and commanding the rails within a competitive tussle for the lead, secured second spot behind backstraight leader Get Upthe Boy. Chasing that 29.28 winner to the line at a five-length deficit thereafter, Magical Jet earned himself a place in the third round where gratefully, all three Moneygall hopefuls have avoided each other in the draw.

Billy settles for second in Sprint Cup

Staying with the elite level and having taken viable claims to the final of the 2026 BAR 1 Betting Irish Sprint Cup at Dundalk on Saturday, the Christopher Delaney trained Rallying Billy (Ballymac Cashout-Rallying Saidso) completed his campaign with a stellar runner-up performance in the sprint major.

Twice second to Tiermana Dream in the early rounds, the Roscrea speedster turned the tables on that rival at the semi-final stage but despite briefly leading following a smart break in the final, found that eventual champion too hot to handle when headed to the opening bend. Holding strong through bumping thereafter, Rallying Billy chased the winner home at a five and a half-length deficit in 20.96, another wonderful training performance within the elite sprinting sphere by his handler. Staying at Dundalk, Friday’s fixture proved fruitful for Ballinderry handler PJ Tynan as firstly, his own Snowdrift (Good Cody-Caitlins Rose) completed his campaign in the Track Supporters Club ON2 400 Yard Stake with a sharp final victory.

Second on debut, the September 2024 pup progressed from that experience and reversed form when displaying much the best pace following a level break from trap 5.

Leading by a strong three lengths nearing the opening bend, he crucially blocked the path of advancing rivals while turning and the Tynan winner repelled all threats close home for a three-quarter length victory in 21.73.

The kennel double was delivered in quickfire manner when the Terence Maguire owned Bagatelle (Koblenz-Knockout Pearl) claimed her third race win in the following BAR 1 Betting S4 400. In what proved a bumpy affair, the August 2024 whelp secured a passage between tightly packed rivals around the opening bends before prevailing close home for a neck verdict in 22.08.

The late Michael Hogan

It was with great sadness that our greyhound community learned of the passing of Michael Hogan, Knockalton, who was laid to his eternal rest of Friday last.

A working member of Nenagh Coursing Club for many years, the affectionately nickname “Scouter” was a treasured friend to generations of our greyhound family with unrelenting support for all our local kennels. His wit, charming personality and ever respectful presence will be a huge loss to all, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Mary, family, and myriad of friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.