Round two of the Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby provided some relief for bookmakers, after a predictably favourable opening session for punters. However, most of the big names have survived the cull, and remain leading hopes for outright honours.

The late absence of reigning champ Laughil Blake was the only disappointment in the first round of the Boylesports.com Irish Greyhound Derby, from which Ballymac Matt emerged with reputation most enhanced following his scintillating 29.43 success on Thursday.

The 2015 Irish Greyhound Derby was launched this week, with the confirmation Boylesports will continue its sponsorship of the country’s premier classic, which is in the second year of a three-year deal.