Shelbourne Park witnessed a night of high drama and outstanding performances on Saturday as the field for the BOYLE Sports Irish Greyhound Derby was whittled down to six. Two scintillating semi-finals delivered everything, brilliance on the track, a touch of controversy, and the promise of a spectacular final next weekend.
Sent off the 1-2 favourite, Cheap Sandwiches produced a career-best display in the opening semi-final. Breaking smartly with a superb 3.38 sectional, the Graham Holland-trained star powered clear to win by a commanding twelve and a half lengths in a sizzling 29.14. The victory keeps the Derby dream alive for the Bark Wahlberg Syndicate, while Tipperary based trainer Holland edges closer to a record fifth Derby crown.
The drama, however, unfolded behind the runaway winner. Barefoot On Song and Proper Heiress initially looked set to qualify, but a late surge from Oreo Ollie brought controversy. After finishing second on the line, stewards intervened and disqualified him, promoting UK challenger Proper Heiress into the final alongside Barefoot On Song.
Kieran Holden BOYLE Sports presents owner Tom Nolan after Glengar Silent won the 2nd Semi-Final of the 2025 BOYLE Sports Irish Greyhound Derby at Shelbourne Park. Also pictured are Emma Buckley, handler and daughter of trainer Pat Buckley, and excited connections. Pic: Imelda Grauer
The second semi-final was no less thrilling, but this time there was less drama. Glengar Silent, trained by Tipperary based trainer Pat Buckley, produced a career-best effort to announce himself as a serious Derby contender. Tracking early leader Magical Mag (another Tipperary contender, trained by Pat Guilfoyle in Cloughjordan, Co. Tipperary), Glengar Silent displayed blistering back-straight pace to hit the front at the third turn, before powering home to score by two lengths in 29.26. Droopys Deploy (trained in Kildare by Robert Gleeson) finished strongly for second, with Magical Mag battling gamely to secure third.
The Stage is Set for the Final
With the finalists now confirmed, anticipation is building for one of the most open and exciting Derby deciders in recent memory. The final draw is as follows:
Trap 1 Proper Heiress
Trap 2 Magical Mag
Trap 3 Barefoot On Song
Trap 4 Glengar Silent (M)
Trap 5 Cheap Sandwiches (W)
Trap 6 Droopys Deploy (W)
Derek Frehill, Director of Racing at Greyhound Racing Ireland, said: “Saturday’s semi-finals had everything, speed, drama and sheer brilliance from our top contenders. Performances like those from Cheap Sandwiches and Glengar Silent show the very best of our sport, while the depth of talent in this year’s final is exceptional. Next weekend’s decider promises to be a truly memorable occasion at Shelbourne Park.”
The BOYLE Sports Irish Greyhound Derby Final takes place next Saturday at Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium, where a new champion will be crowned. Doors open from 4.00pm.
Lead Picture above s: Kieran Holden BOYLE Sports presents Ger Brassil of the Bark Wahlberg Syndicate after Cheap Sandwiches won the 1st Semi-Final of the 2025 BOYLE Sports Irish Greyhound Derby at Shelbourne Park. Also included are trainer Graham Holland, handler Gary Walsh and members of the syndicate. Pic: Imelda Grauer
