Royal Patrol lays down Derby marker

OLLIE Bray can begin to dream of further Derby glory after the powerfully built Royal Patrol confirmed his standing as one of Ireland’s most exciting young trackers with a superb last grasp victory in the ECC Timber Open 550 at Shelbourne Park on Saturday night.

On paper the €5,000 contest looked wide open, but only two greyhounds really counted when they got underway. Royal Patrol, sent off joint favourite alongside Shaneboy Fantasy at 3-1, made a fast start, but Razldazl Rioga took up the pace-setting duties right from the off.

Entering the back just a couple of lengths behind Razldazl Rioga, Royal Patrol looked a certain winner, but he needed every inch of the 550yd trip to get back on terms and eventually head the leader.