The dust has settled on what was another fantastic BoyleSport Irish Greyhound Derby where Jackslittlething finished a very gallant third place. The winner, Susie Sapphire, is an exceptional bitch and was a worthy winner for Owen McKenna and her proud owners and we’d like to take opportunity to congratulate them on her amazing feat.

As ever, the supporting card on Derby final night was full of the best greyhounds in training. We landed a wonderful hat-trick on the night with some sensational performances!

Kameko has amassed a great social media following in recent months and he delivered his biggest win to date in style for them. He follows in the footsteps of Blue East and Black Parachute as he landing the very special Michael Fortune Memorial Derby Plate. Coming away well Kameko showed determination to clear the hot favourite, Skywalker Barry on the inside of him but was soon joined by kennel mate Sweep The Yard hot on his tail. Into the third turn, Sweep The Yard attempted to make his move but Kameko ran a perfect racing bend to cut off his kennel mate. Increasing his advantage he stayed on strongly to lead home a brilliant one-two for the team in 29.49.

Rural Star is in rude form at present and he followed up his very decent 28.25 run the week before with an absolute scorcher here as he stopped the clock in an incredible 27.94. Coom Leo broke fastest from the inside box and led the field into the bend but Rural Star ran an incredible turn to move past the leader. Pulling clear along the far side he maintained a powerful gallop throughout to cross the line three lengths to the good in the sensational 27.94.

The night had started off to a flyer as Ballyhimikin Pip, fresh from her exploits at Waterford where she finished runner up in the Munster Oaks, landed a brilliant six length success in the opener. Pacing up well to be in contention early she turned out the opening bends in second place. Closing the leader down along the far side she hit round the third turn to pull away to strong six length success in 28.33. A well deserved victory for the lady who had been running so consistently in recent weeks.