WELL, here are virtually on the eve of the biggest day of the year in greyhound sport - the final of the Ladbrokes.com Irish Derby at Shelbourne Park and all is in readiness for what promises to be the night of all nights.

The entries are rolling in for the Ladbrokes.com Irish Derby and it now looks certain that the target of 144 entries will be received by Friday’s closing date. Up to late yesterday evening there were almost 100 names in the book and with some of the top kennels yet to confirm their plans.

THERE was a major surprise when reserve Rockview Head won a thrilling Gallivan-Murphy-Hooper-Dolan €15,000 Juvenile Classic final at the Kingdom Greyhound stadium last night, but only after a photo finish.

It really has been the most amazing start to the greyhound year. First we had the freeze-up and no racing at Shelbourne Park and other venues for a full month. Now we have the situation that because of many of our leading dogs lack full fitness, a prestigious event such as the Joe Dunne Memorial Puppy Stake has had to be put back a week in order to attract sufficient entries.