Dave first in for Derby

BALLYMAC DAVE, trained by Esther Driver, became the first official entry for this year’s Star Sports & Orchestrate Greyhound Derby when online forms became available on Monday evening.

A finalist in last year’s Juvenile Classic at Tralee, he recently made the semi-finals of the Category One Arc Laurels at Dunstall Park for his new connections. The Nottingham-based dog then opened his UK account at the third time of asking when returning to the Wolverhampton circuit to win well on Saturday’s card.

Driver and partner Paul Sallis just missed out on a spot in last year’s Derby final when their No Better Feelin, who ran third behind Mike Burton’s Droopys Aladdin in Saturday’s Laurels final, came home fourth in the semi-final won by Graham Holland’s Bockos Diamond.

Towcester racing manager Danny Rayment said: “It’s always nice to get the first one in the book, now only another 191 to go!

“Just to remind all trainers that entries must be made online via the website at towcester-racecourse.co.uk/derby-2026-entry-form/.

“The payment link is on there too and the competition closes at 7pm on Monday.”

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