Ballymac Vic exits Derby as Sugar Ray arrives on the scene

Not only did the clear favourite, Ballymac Vic, make his exit but Tyrur Sugar Ray went from being a dog of big potential to the one to beat following a breath-taking victory in a scarcely believable 29.29 in the Ladbrokes Irish Derby quarter-finals at Shelbourne Park on Saturday night.

It was a display of pure pace and power that has scarcely been matched at the Ringsend venue. Not only did he post the fastest time of this year’s Derby, but it was also the third fastest time ever recorded at the track.

Only College Causeway with his remarkable track record 29.21 during the 2009 Derby and Tyrur Big Mike with a 29.28 run have gone faster for the 550yd trip. It’s no surprise that Tyrur Sugar Ray has now been promoted to clear favouritism.