Three local trainers have dogs competing in round three of the Irish Greyhound Derby this weekend.
Gowrans Paul Hennessey has Jaytee Taylor and Jaytee Spirit, Peter Cronin from Mooncoin has Sophie’s man while Martin Leahy from Ballyragget has Droopys Hunch.
The Derby is the most prestigious race in the Irish greyhound calendar and boasts a prize-fund of over €300,000.
Friday and Saturday saw a field of 96 cut in half, with Droopys Hunch, trained by Martin Leahy in Ballyragget, winning his heat in an impressive 29.43 seconds. Jaytee Spirit and 2018 finalist Jaytee Taylor hold hopes for Gowran trainer Paul Hennessey, while Sophie’s Man, for Mooncoin’s Peter Cronin, also made it to the final 48.
All eight heats across the third round take place this Saturday, August 31st, with the final of the 2019 Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby will be held on Saturday, September 21st, at Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium.
2019 Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby, 3rd round – Kilkenny interest:
Heat 1: Jaytee Taylor (trained by Paul Hennessey, Gowran)
Heat 2: Sophies Man (trained by Peter Cronin, Mooncoin)
Heat 4: Droopys Hunch (trained by Martin Leahy, Ballyragget)
Heat 7: Jaytee Spirit (trained by Paul Hennessey, Gowran)
