Shocks in Derby semis leave the final wide open

Draw for the williamhill.com final, 10.35pm Saturday May 26
(with Hills' show)

1 Farloe Ironman 3/1

2 Coolavanny Bert 5/2

3 Westmead Adonis 10/1 (from initial 12)

4 Taylors Sky 5/2

5 Judicial Ruling (m) 5/1

6 Blonde Snapper (m) 6/1

9.05pm Williamhill.com Champion Hurdle final 1 Olivers Twist 2 Baran Bally Hi (m) 3  Billis Renegade (m) 4 Clonkeen Theo (m) 5 Skywalker Falcon (w) 6 Baltylum Houdini (w)

9.25pm Williamhill.com Derby Plate final 1 Frankbrunosbro 2 Taylors Cruise 3 Lenson Mac 4 King Jaffa 5  Brinkley Flyer 6 Freds Champ (w)

See Jim Cremin's blog

Wimbledon Saturday May 19

8.35 williamhill.com Derby 1st semi-final
1 Farloe Ironman (trap 3) 4.75  16/1 28.16sec three and a half
2 Coolavanny Bert (trap 2)   4.80 length and a quarter
3 Judicial Ruling (trap 4) 4.71

The script seemed to be going to plan as JFK led up to the bend, but as fellow Irish raider Judicial Ruling showed exceptional pace up, it was a case of JFK trying to get in and Judicial Ruling wanting to get wide. The mayhem that resulted ended up badly hampering JFK and also Bubbly Phoenix. Farloe Ironman, who looked ready to run for his life on parade for trainer Matt Dartnall, was suddenly left in the lead - and made no mistake racing clear.  The inside runners were also caught up in trouble, but Coolavanny Bert emerged second,  and was safely through to the final, as Judicial Ruling recovered his balance to take third. 

The wining time of  28.16sec was fast, aided by the bowser having gone round.

It was a disappointing end for the challenge of kennelmates JFK and kennelmate Rioga (missed it and was hampered at the turn), and also for young Bubbly Phoenix.



8.50 williamhill.com Derby 2nd semi-final
1 Blonde Snapper (trap 6) 4.81  6/1 28.41sec short head
2 Taylors Sky (trap 1) 4.82  threequarters
3 Westmead Adonis (trap 2) 4.91
Defending champion Taylors Sky safely made the final for the second year in a semi defined by the brave effort of bitch Droopys Loner, who finally got a break from the unfamilar trap 5 and led them a merry dance before weakening on the run in, eventually losing the vital third spot by half a length to equally gallant Westmead Adonis who has run so well through the Classic.  That obviously applies to Mark Wallis's semi winner Blonde Snapper, owned by Mark Currell, who turned second and then edged ahead off the last bend and just held the late challenge of Taylors Sky (crowded at the  bend and ran well) at astonishingly generous 6/1 odds - both semis had provided turnups.
Razldazl Bugatti and Droopys Jet collided at the bend which sadly ended their Derby.

**Do you fancy coming to the Williamhill.com Derby final – greyhound racing’s night of the year - Saturday May 26.

Discounted £12 tickets are available until Wednesday via 0870 840 8905 (office hours)

Thereafter tickets are £15 and available on the night, first come, first served.

There are still some places available in the restaurant (optional black tie); a table for four is £480; a table for six  £720 – both include a bottle of champagne

All the suites have gone.

No vouchers are valid.