Mimis Ace, trained by John Kiely for Maura Kiely, Blackrock, earned his ticket to the Boylesports Irish Derby by taking Saturday night’s final of the trial stake at Curraheen Park in great style.

Quite a difficult card for punters tonight at Curraheen Park, where the feature is the final of the Boylesports Greyhound Derby Trial Stake, supported by the Laurels Restaurant A3 525 decider.

The Burgess A1 Puppy Stake was the feature on Saturday night’s programme at Curraheen, and victory went to the sponsors, JJ Fennelly and Sheila Spillane, Killeagh, with 5-2 chance Burgess Tadhg (Ace Hi Rumble – Dower Twilight).

The final of the Rockybay Munster Hurdle produced a worthy winner as Comeout Russell smashed the track record with a tremendous display.

Following in the paw-prints of 1990 winner Adraville Bridge and 2003 champ Nikita Billie, Midtown Raffa gave trainer Mossy O’Connor a third Laurels success with a thoroughly authoritative display in Saturday night’s decider at Curraheen Park.

Following his semi-final victory and a favourable draw 2014 Consolation winner Midtown Raffa will likely head the market for next weekend’s final of the Irish Laurels at Curraheen Park.

Barefoot Apollo became the standard setter during an eventful second stage of the Irish Laurels on Saturday night at Curraheen Park.

The second round of the Irish Laurels takes place tomorrow night at Curraheen and there are two reported non-runners from the last 48: Fatboyz Josh and Captain Karnage. 

The Dandelion Bar and Nightclub Easter Cup is all the richer for the return of Derby winner Laughil Blake, who will light up proceedings at Shelbourne when he lines up for the opening heat.