Lahdedah quickest but Bob stars on cracking opening Derby night

DE LAHDEDAH set the first night standard in the Star Sports/TRC English Greyhound Derby opening round over 500m at Towcester but Boylesports Bob stole the show with a breathtaking victory in the heat ten finale.

Completing a bookend double for trainer Paul Hennessy, whose Maiden Derby champion Jaytee Etienne powered to a 28.85sec (normal) victory in the opener, Boylesports Bob spotted his chief rivals a fair start and was only fourth into the back after running wide at the first bend but took off from that point to mow down long-time leader Miracle on the run-in.

At the line, he was two and a half lengths clear of compatriot Singalong Dolly in posting 28.87sec with a tiring Miracle half a length away in third.

Liam Dowling's De Lahdedah got a dream run inside first bend trouble in heat eight taking full advantage to go clear and score by seven and a half lengths in a best-of-night 28.78sec, while Derby hat-trick seeking trainer Graham Holland sent out 2023 Irish Derby champion The Other Kobe to take heat six in 29.23sec.

It was not all about the Irish raiding party, however, with Hove handler Richard Rees matching Hennessy's achievement with a double of his own courtesy of Kilara Roberto (29.03sec) and Nowitsmyturn (29.13sec) in heats five and seven respectively.

Other home winners were Diane Henry's Unreal Bruiser (28.91sec), Patrick Janssens' Edwards (28.98sec), Maxine Locke's Cooliogold (29.14sec) and Mark Wallis' Crafty Shivoo (29.33sec).