Tipperary trainer creates history with victory in Irish Greyhound Derby

Above: Kerry Boyle presents the trophy to Dan Brassil and Claire Boyle presents the Trainers Trophy to Graham Holland, after Cheap Sandwiches won the BoyleSports Irish Derby. Also included are Tim Lucey, CEO of Greyhound Racing Ireland (GRI), Pat Flanagan, Chairman of GRI; Nickey, Rachel and Timothy Holland and the winning connections. Picture: Imelda Grauer

In front of a packed Shelbourne Park and an atmosphere charged with anticipation, Cheap Sandwiches etched his name into greyhound racing history by storming to victory in the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby.

The sensational son of Burgess Bucks and Hearthill Josie delivered a dazzling performance in his third Derby final in just ten months, running out a commanding three-length winner in a time of 29.37.

In doing so, he secured a record fifth Derby title for trainer Graham Holland and his Tipperary Riverside Kennels team, based in Golden, cementing their place as one of the sport’s most successful operations.

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Despite a slow break from traps, the 4-5 favourite showed immense pace and determination to overhaul early leader Barefoot On Song before powering clear down the back straight.

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Roared on by the Shelbourne crowd, Cheap Sandwiches never faltered, crossing the line ahead of Barefoot On Song, with Glengar Silent finishing strongly in third.

Celebrations erupted as members of the Bark Wahlberg Syndicate, a spirited group of friends who first came together at a wedding to invest in greyhound racing, greeted their champion.

The presentation ceremony saw Kerry Boyle hand the Derby trophy to syndicate member Dan Brassil, while Claire Boyle presented the Trainer’s Trophy to Graham Holland.

They were joined on stage by Tim Lucey, CEO of Greyhound Racing Ireland (GRI), and Pat Flanagan, Chairman of GRI, alongside the Holland family and jubilant winning connections.

Comprised of lifelong friends and football teammates from Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch FC, the Bark Wahlberg Syndicate includes Dan and Ger Brassil, Dave O’Brien, Eoin Sweeney, Keith Daly, Eoin O’Goilligan, Dara Lundain, Kevin O’Donovan, Rob Hanley, Fergal O’Donnell and Jim O’Brien.

Their shared, unforgettable sense of humour has made them one of the most recognisable ownership groups in Irish greyhound racing.