Magical Bale and Slippy Cian Head-To-Head In The Derby

The BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby final takes place on Saturday with six runners vying for the €140,000 winning prize.

Last year’s UK Puppy Derby winner Magical Bale and Slippy Cian are inseparable as they lead the charge as joint 5/2 favourites. Pat Guilfoyle is bidding for successive wins, having trained last year’s winner Good News, with Magical Bale the biggest runner in the final at 79lbs.

Slippy Cian is the first of three runners in the line-up for Graham Holland, with Clonbrien Hero (6/1) and Clona Blaze (9/2) making up his team.

Clonbrien Hero is the oldest runner in the line-up but has accolades such as the Laurles, St Leger, Produce Stakes, Race Of Champions and the Boylesports Night Of Stars behind him. He is without doubt the dog for the big occasion.

The Paul Hennessey-trained Jaytee Taylor is the strongest runner in the field and despite being beaten in his last two runs, he ran a huge race in the semi-final and goes into the final at 10/3.

Ballyanne Sim almost pulled off a shock semi-final win before being caught on the line by Slippy Cian and is the current outsider at 20/1.

*Prices correct at time of publication