Tipperary-trained duo shine brightly in Irish Greyhound Derby quarter-finals

Cheap Sandwiches and Magical Mag storm into the semi-finals

Above: Tye Adamson makes the presentation to Dan Brassil and the Bark Wahlberg Syndicate, with trainer Graham Holland and Gary Walsh, after Cheap Sandwiches won the first quarter-final of the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby. Picture: Imelda Grauer

Tipperary’s strong greyhound tradition was on full display at Shelbourne Park on Saturday night as two Premier County-trained stars stormed into the semi-finals of the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby.

Golden-based, Irish Greyhound Derby-winning trainer Graham Holland sent out the brilliant Cheap Sandwiches to a devastating seven-length victory in the opening quarter-final.

Despite a modest start, the Bark Wahlberg Syndicate-owned runner showed blistering pace to hit the front at the bend before powering home in the fastest time of the night, a sensational 29.27. The display has catapulted Cheap Sandwiches to the head of the outright betting.

Not to be outdone, his fellow Derby-winning trainer Pat Guilfoyle’s Magical Mag continued her unbeaten Derby run in the second quarter-final. The Moneygall handler’s charge flew from trap one and never saw a rival, running out a comfortable three-and-a-half length winner in 29.69. Her consistent brilliance now marks her as one of the leading fancies for the €125,000 top prize.

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With two of Ireland’s very best greyhounds carrying Tipperary hopes into the last twelve, excitement is building across the county. Both Holland and Guilfoyle have tasted Derby glory before, and their charges look primed to deliver again.

Director of Racing for Greyhound Racing Ireland Derek Frehill said, “Magical Mag is a very special bitch and she keeps producing the goods. To have her unbeaten at this stage of the Derby is a true testament to her ability. Meanwhile, Holland’s Cheap Sandwiches has established himself as the one to beat, setting a standard that few could match on Saturday’s evidence".

Above: Tye Adamson makes the presentation to Tommy O'Keeffe, with Jayden Loughnane, after Magical Mag won the second quarter-final of the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby at Shelbourne Park. Picture: Imelda Grauer

The BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby semi-finals take place next weekend at Shelbourne Park.

With two Premier County-trained stars still in contention, all eyes in Tipperary will be on Dublin as the countdown continues to the famous Derby decider.

Doors open from 6pm and all details are available on www.shelbourneparkgreyhoundstadium.ie