2013: WILLIAM HILL.COM DERBY at WIMBLEDON.

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Advantage Jet as he races to win over Vic and Critic



Saturday's semis:

1st semi
1 Ballymac Eske
2 Droopys Jet
3 Hather George (m)
4 Bittles Bar (w)
5 Screen Critic (w)
6 Holdem Spy (w)

2nd semi
1 Tyrur Sugar Ray
2 Teejays Bluehawk
3 Sidaz Jack
4 Ballymac Vic (m)
5 Airlie Impact (w)
6 Bouncy Bocko (w)

Hills bet immediately after the draw: 11-4 Droopys Jet, 7-2 Ballymac Eske, Ballymac Vic, 8 Screen Critic, 14 bar

It was warm and muggy, the course had been watered.

Race by race details on the quarter-finals:

BOWSER WENT ROUND BEFORE FIRST QUARTER-FINAL

official going +10

1st quarter-final

1st Sidaz Jack trap 1 4.73 28.32sec
2nd Hather George trap 5 4.84 half a length
3rd Tyrur Sugar Ray trap 2 4.92 two lengths

A forecast here for Charlie Lister. Sidaz Jack showed exceptional pace to beat up the other front-runners, with Jaytee Hellcat again walking out. With the strong runners, Hather George and Tyrur Sugar Ray, well placed early, it meant curtains for the others. Shaneboy Spencer and Farloe Warhawk lost all hope when bunching on the second turn. Hather George got the better run at the third turn, where Tyrur Sugar Ray was baulked. Hather George was only half a length behind at the line. A wonderful start for Charlie, who was ecstastic afterwards.

Hills went 14-1 Sidaz Jack, Tyrur Sugar Ray, 33 Hather George

2nd quarter

1st Droopys Jet trap 1 4.77 28.22sec
2nd Ballymac Vic trap 3 4.77 length and a quarter
3rd Screen Critic trap 6 4.79 one length

This was about the three principals, with the others run off their feet. Droopys Jet pinged from red, and needed to with Ballymac Vic on his case to the bend, before they crowded and Droopys Jet edged ahead. Screen Critic was thereabouts throughout, crowded wide at the turn, and running tremendously well too. Ballymac Vic was crowded again at the third when attempting to challenge, and it was time to celebrate for the delighted connections of the Fraser Black-trained star, one spot off the fastest in the Derby so far, recorded in the second round by Ballymac Eske.

Three fantastic dogs all survived to appear again on Saturday's semi-final stage. Hills now make Droopys Jet 11-4 favourite, it's 7-2 Ballymac Vic, 8 Screen Critic

3rd quarter

1st Ballymac Eske trap 2 4.85 28.37sec
2nd Holdem Spy trap 5 4.91 length and threequarters
3rd Teejays Bluehawk trap 3 4.89 two and threequarters

A messy race, but Ballymac Eske again showed he has the ability to cope and came through to kick clear at the third bend for a convincing win. Hills make him 7-2 joint second favourite. Frisby Barney and Shaneboy Alley were desperately unlucky, Frisby flying out, and Shaneboy showing typical early to get inside him before they collided on the second turn, Frisby virtually coming down. Ringtown Snowy was also on the premises after a slow start but just as he moved up to challenge at the third, he was baulked, checked and dropped back. Holdem Spy (very slow away) ran on well, and is now 16-1 with the sponsors. Teejays Bluehawk plugged on for third and is 20-1.

4th quarter

1st Bittles Bar trap 6 4.69 28.45sec
2nd Airlie Impact trap 3 4.97sec length and threequarters
3rd Bouncy Bocko trap 5 4.98sec short head

A bunched finish for qualifying places but there was never any real doubt about the winner with Bittles Bar, back down a bit a weight, pinging and making all. He has pace, battles and is a formidable runner for Martin White. Bonamassa Rocks held second most of the way, but tired as the field closed round the final turn. Airlie Impact shruggled off a horrible draw to grab second (he finally gets a half decent slot in the semis!). Bouncy Bocko came from the clouds the snatch third - there was a knife edge between the pair and breathing down their necks were Farloe Tango and Carkie Max, who narrowly missed out.



Mountjoy Jewel won a trial before racing in 28.75sec; Millwards Matt won a 480m open in 28.52sec, having led early.

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TAKEN FROM THE RACING POST
FRIDAY 21-6-13

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Greyhound Derby climax going to be 'unmissable'


TAKEN FROM THE SIS WEBSITE



Sports fans are being urged to tune in to the “classiest” Greyhound Derby ever as the competition reaches its penultimate stage on Saturday.

Jonathan Hobbs, one of the mainstays of SIS’s on-screen team, can’t wait until the semi-finals at Wimbledon and says: “I’d implore anyone who loves live sport to watch the action. The next two Saturdays are going to be awesome.”

The quarter-finals of the William Hill-backed spectacular took place this week and just two rounds remain to find Britain’s fastest dog.

Hobbs and fellow summariser Tony ‘Enzo’ Ennis will be in the thick of it as they take up position on a rostrum in the grandstand next to the first bend at the South-West London track.

“We’re going to be under siege in the middle of hundreds of excitable fans,” he says. “But I wouldn’t miss it for anything. It’s our aim to make sure that the excitement at the track is felt by those watching on Sky and in betting shops.”

Hobbs and the SIS production team are in no doubt that there is a brand new audience tuning in. With SIS beaming the coverage into LBOs for the first time, the Derby has been followed with greater interest than ever before.

Hobbs added: “It creates an atmosphere and brings a buzz into shops. I don’t have the figures obviously, but according to bookmakers, punters are going into High Street outlets to keep a tab on their tips.”

Hobbs also has his own story to illustrate how greyhound fans are flocking to their local LBO. “I know a guy who I met at Hall Green several years ago. I only know him as John, but every year he texts me to ask what I fancy in the Derby. He hasn’t got Sky, so in the past he’s relied on getting his newspaper to find out what happened, but I know that this year he’s been going into his local shop to follow the action.”

Hobbs, a Racing Post journalist for more than 20 years, who works on screen for SIS and RP Greyhound TV, has been a follower of the dogs for most of his life. His parents had an interest in greyhounds and Hobbs still has part-share in a dog. “I turned a hobby into a living,” he says. “I didn’t expect it to go on that long, mind!”

With Hobbs and Ennis, an At The Races and racecourse commentator, providing the expert view, the SIS team includes commentator Errol Blyth, who will be familiar to viewers of SIS’s betting shop services; Darrell Williams, another regular with At The Races; and Gary Wiltshire, king of the punters, who reports from the betting ring. Wiltshire, though, faces a late 'fitness test' after illness, but the well-known Matt Chapman is standing by.

“We have a lot of fun,” says Hobbs. “But our job is to convey the wonderful thrill of the racing. That won’t be difficult over these last two meetings, as this is the classiest Derby there’s been with the fastest dogs around.

“Greyhound racing is doing well at the moment. With the new Sky coverage from SIS, other new series having been launched and RPGTV, the sport is attracting a lot of attention. But the next two Saturdays are going to be unmissable.”


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For the record, Hobbs’ tips this year included Ballymac Eske and Airlie Impact, which both run on Saturday. Airlie Impact, trained by Paul Young, is also the subject of Hobbs’ £50 each-way charity bet at 200-1 placed by Hills on behalf of the Retired Greyhound Trust (RGT).

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The William Hill Greyhound Derby is on Sky Sports 3 and in betting shops on SIS services on Saturday, 19:00-21:30. Times are as follows with the last two races – 20:45 and 21:05 – the Derby semi-finals:- 19:10; 19:25; 19:40; 19:55; 20:10; 20:25; 20:45 S/F 1; 21:05 S/F 2

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Vic wins in fastest 28.29 on a night for the Irish



Draw for Saturday's William Hill Derby final (and sponsor's show)

1 Sidaz Jack 8-1
2 Droopys Jet 10-11
3 Ballymac Vic (m) 13-8
4 Airlie Impact (w) 33-1
5 Bittles Bar (w) 12-1
6 Screen Critic (w) 12-1

William Hill Derby - 1st semi-final:

1st Droopys Jet trap 2 4.78 28.38sec
2nd Bittles Bar trap 4 4.79 two and half lengths
3rd Screen Critic trap 5 4.90 length and a quarter

This was ruthless. Droopys Jet flew out (4.78) , race over. He put last year's Derby semi disappointment behind him (when involved in bad bunching) and had looked set to start a hot favourite for Saturday's £150,000 to the winner final - until Sidaz Jack got drawn inside him.

Bittles Bar was second up (great pace too, 4.79), and stayed there throughout. The only doubt was who was going to qualify as third and it was desperately close between Screen Critic (4.90) and Holdem Spy (who was outpaced early). They went past together but Screen Critic prevailed by a short head.

Ballymac Eske broke slowly, and collided with Hather George, who had walked out, at the second turn.

2nd semi-final

1st Ballymac Vic trap 4 4.74 28.29sec
2nd Airlie Impact trap 5 4.97 two lengths
3rd Sidaz Jack trap 3 4.71sec half length

A double for Ireland, and fastest of the night from Ballymac Vic. This was a race that was all over at the first bend when the three dogs behind - Tyrur Sugar Ray and, worst of all, Teejays Bluehawk and Bouncy Bocko, collided.

Sidaz Jack flew out, and cut in early. Ballymac Vic went up fast, challenged at half-way and drew clear at the third for a convincing win. Airlie Impact ran on well for second, and although Tyrur Sugar Ray showed back straight speed, it was to no avail.

Congratulations to the six survivors, the Derby lunch awaits Monday.

Bowser went round after the second race.

Draws for other finals

William Hill Derby Plate final (with sponsor's betting): 1 Glenpadden Post (6-4) 2 Trewmount Snap (m) (10-1) 3 Castlelyons Cofi (m) (15-8) 4 Cloheena Micky (w) (9-2) 5 King Bradley (w) (12-1) 6 Any Dak (w) (8-1)

William Hill Champion Hurdle final: 1 Rummy Lord (16-1) 2 Green Amigo (14-1) 3 Lenson Johnny (m) (6-1) 4 Droopys Lorenzo (w) (5-4) 5 Westmead Meteor (w) (9-4) 6 Soviet Military (w) (9-2)

In trials before racing, winners were Forest Trick (29.25sec), Freedom Cache (29.17sec) and Right Touch (28.95sec)

Wimbledon will finalise the Derby final card on Tuesday.

William Hill Derby final night first race next Saturday is 7.08pm, the final is off at 9.08pm

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Ballymac Eske was a shock Derby semi-final casualty on Saturday




Drapers to get Eske checked after Derby exit



BALLYMAC ESKE, the long-time ante-post William Hill Derby favourite, will be thoroughly checked over this week before connections decide on the next stage of his career.

Despite winning his first four rounds of the competition, plenty of people had voiced an opinion that the brilliant son of Burnpark Champ was under-performing at Wimbledon, and his premier Classic journey duly ended in the semis on Saturday when he finished a disappointing - and perplexing - last of six behind Droopys Jet.

"I don't know what the problem is," admitted Trevor Draper. "Ballymac Eske hasn't been the same dog since he hit the inside fence in that Wimbledon trial before the Derby started.

"Whether it's a mental or physical problem I just don't know. He has been regularly checked over during the last three weeks, and has seemed fine."

Read the full story in Monday's Racing Post

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Derby King Charlie Lister is joined by his fellow trainers at the Derby Lunch at Kettners in Soho (from left) Martin White, Liam Dowling, Kevin Hutton, Paul Young, and Wimbledon RM Gary Matthews standing in for Fraser Black



Miller hails 'charismatic and colourful' Derby



KATE MILLER, Hills PR director, yesterday described the William Hill Derby as the company’s “most charismatic and colourful sponsorship” as they hosted the Derby lunch at Kettner’s in London’s Soho where presentations were made to the connections of Saturday’s six finalists.

She said she herself had backed Screen Critic: “He’s got a great draw, you can foresee Droopys Jet and Ballymac Vic coming together. They are two wonderful dogs, I’d have to say my head says Droopys Jet, but I have feeling there might be crowding and we might end up getting ‘a result’. Overall our book is in good shape, and turnover has been excellent.”

Gary Matthews. Wimbledon’s racing manager, picks Ballymac Vic as the winner. “I’m sticking with him. I’ve been impressed by him throughout, and Droopys Jet got first run on him in the quarter-final – and might not necessarily do so here.”

Tom Kelly, Bags chairman, said: “I think I’m sitting on the winning table [Droopys Jet]. We’re proud to have this on Bags, feedback has been excellent.”

Barry Faulkner, GBGB chief executive, said: “It’s been an exceptional Derby and a fantastic final awaits. If forced to pick a winner, it would be Droopys Jet, but it looks desperately close.”

Read the full story including the connections' views in Tueday's Racing Post

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Britain's biggest race night - William Hill Greyhound Derby final


This Saturday is British greyhound racing’s biggest night of the year. The William Hill Greyhound Derby, considered the world’s greatest race comes to its conclusion after five thrilling rounds throughout June at Wimbledon Stadium. At 9:08pm, six greyhounds go into the traps at Plough Lane hoping to add their names to a famous roll of honour and win a record £150,000 first prize for connections.

153 greyhounds entered the world’s richest open competition including 24 Irish raiders, of which Droopys Jet (T2) and Ballymac Vic (T3) not only line up as finalists but head the betting at 11/8 and 13/8 respectively. The Derby King, Charlie Lister OBE trains the pup Sidaz Jack in trap one and will be hoping to land Derby title number seven, while trap four houses Airlie Impact trained by Paul Young for his young owner Tom Francis. In trap five Bittles Bar carries the hopes of owner/trainer Martin White while trap six sees a coming-of-age accomplishment for trainer Kevin Hutton as Screen Critic hopes to land the spoils for his owner, ex-British Lion Mike Burton.

William Hill Greyhound Derby Final* 9:08pm

1. Sidaz Jack (8/1)
2. Droopys Jet (11/8)
3. Ballymac Vic (13/8)
4. Airlie Impact (33/1)
5. Bittles Bar (12/1)
6. Screen Critic (8/1) *visit williamhill.com for betting on all final night races

The trap draw for the final has many suggesting the race is more open than the betting suggests, whichever way the showpiece plays out, all are agreed that this year’s renewal of the competition has been of the highest quality. Big crowds have savoured the atmosphere at Wimbledon throughout June and Saturday will be packed to the rafters. The Grandstand restaurant is sold out but general admission tickets are still available at £12 by calling 0870 840 8905 (£15 on the night).

The first seven races of the night are broadcast live on Sky Sports 3 from 7pm – 9:30pm. Join Tony Ennis and Jonathan Hobbs as they guide you through the stellar supporting card including the Champion Hurdle and Derby Pate finals and the famous Dorando marathon. Also broadcast live in UK betting shops. For full form of all the night's races visit www.bagsracing.com

For all those going to the track, five more contests follow the Derby final including races for puppies, British-bred greyhounds, Ladies and Seniors. Radio Jackie is broadcasting live from the stadium carpark and marquees serving refreshments will be open from 5:30pm.

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Kate Miller: Hills now boosting runners' money in Saturday's Derby final



Now a £10k Hills boost for Saturday's finalists



FRESH from the stunning announcement that next year’s William Hill Greyhound Derby will be worth £200,000 to the winner, the sponsor has pulled another rabbit from the hat by adding £10,000 to the prize fund for this Saturday’s decider to be split equally between the beaten finalists.

As a result, the runner-up will now receive £10,000, third £6,000, fourth £5,000 and both fifth and sixth £4,500 with Hills having already announced large increases in the rewards for next year’s non-winning finalists.

“Traditionally the sponsor funds the winning prize and the promoter takes care of everything else,” explained Hills’ PR director Kate Miller, “but we recognised that there was perhaps too big a disparity between finishing first and other places so we’ve addressed that for next year and wanted to make a gesture this.

“We’re putting an extra £10,000 in to be divided between the five greyhounds not fortunate enough to win because just reaching this stage is a fantastic achievement and the owners have made big investments to help make the William Hill Derby such a brilliant competition.

“I think everyone is always taken with the Derby, but perhaps especially so this year as it’s been absolutely tremendous from start to finish.”

Next year’s beaten finalists are set for a huge increase in prize money with the runner-up due to receive £15,000, third £10,000 and others £5,000 apiece.

“Getting to the final is akin to winning a major competition in my view,” added Miller, “and the new structure for next year will reflect that with £15,000 equivalent to one of the top half dozen win prizes in the whole year.”

The announcement was welcomed by Terry Dartnall, whose son Matt trained last year’s runner-up Farloe Ironman. “The £200,000 first prize is unbelievable,” he said, “but I’m delighted that the others have been remembered too. When you finish second you’re basically the first loser and there’s such a gap between what you could have won and what you actually get – Hills have done brilliantly to remedy that.”

Meanwhile, Hills are stoking early interest in the first 200K Greyhound Derby by opening a book on the 2014 competition with this year’s youngest finalist Sidaz Jack the 40-1 favourite and all Saturday's other contenders quoted as well.

2014 William Hill Greyhound Derby

Hills: 40 Sidaz Jack, 50 Ballymac Eske, Ballymac Vic, Droopys Jet, Holborn Junior, Roxholme Bully, 100 Bittles Bar, Farloe Tango, Farloe Warhawk, Lemon Pluto, Pinpoint Maxi, Tyrur Sugar Ray, 150 Calzaghe Davy, Coolavanny Turbo, Droopys Odell, Glenpadden Post, Holdem Spy, Screen Critic, 200 Alien Planet, Bonmassa Rocks, Castlelyons Cofi, 250 Airlie Impact, Bouncy Bocko, Jaytee Hellcat, Right Touch (e/w 1/4 1,2,3,4,5,6 – others on request).

Got a smartphone? Get our new, free Greyhound Bet app for Apple, Android and for most other smartphones our mobile site.