Dog-by-dog guide for the 2025 Irish Derby final
Cheap Sandwiches has returned to his very best in recent weeks. Pic: INPHO/Nick Elliott
: Mark Wallis
MWD Partnership Syndicate
Bidding to become the first UK-trained winner of the Derby since Toms The Best in 1997, he showed what he is capable of when accounting for Cheap Sandwiches in the third round. Had a tough draw in the semi-final and could only finish fourth, though he was promoted to the final after the suspension of another greyhound. That was a disappointing effort given his capability, and he needs to bounce back to top form to play a leading role. The draw may help that.
: Patrick Guilfoyle
Patrick Guilfoyle
One of two bitches in the final, she is bidding to give her trainer a second Derby success, eight years on from Good News. This lady has been the most consistent starter in the competition and has every chance to lead early once more. She may need to step up just a little on the clocks she has posted thus far, but getting first run is often the key to a Derby final and if she can hold the lead around the opening bends, she will go close.
: Paul Hennessy
Bryan & Kathleen Murphy
The second bitch in the decider, her presence in the lineup is all the more remarkable for the fact she has a litter of pups which are almost 12 months old. Bidding to give her trainer a second Irish Derby, she has been a model of consistency at the top level since her return to the track and has the early pace to play a part. Her most immediate task is avoiding an early bump with Magical Mag, who will also be hoping to poach an early advantage.
: Pat Buckley
: Tom Nolan
The youngest participant in the final, his dam was runner-up in the 2021 Derby decider. This pup possesses terrific middle pace but also showed, in the semi-final, that he can clock smart early sectionals. Most impressive last Saturday night, when coming from behind Magical Mag to win comfortably, we are yet to see the extent of what he might be capable of. He has a tricky draw but if negotiating a clear run around the opening bends, he could give his trainer a second Irish Derby success.
: Graham Holland
: Bark Wahlberg Syndicate
Runner-up in this race in 2024, he came into the competition somewhat under the radar despite having won the Dundalk International. This is his third Derby decider, having also finished fourth in this year’s English Derby final, and yet this teak-tough performer las looked at least as good as ever in recent spins around this track. Trap six may have been preferable but he sets the standard and is a worthy favourite to give his trainer a record fifth Irish Derby success.
: Robert Gleeson
: Paul Allen
A strong stayer, he was a shade below his best in the early rounds but bounced right back to top form in the semi-finals, when noted making rapid late progress to take second place behind Glengar Silent. While he needs to improve again, the draw could work in his favour, and he may appeal to punters at big odds. His trainer, Robert Gleeson, didn’t enjoy much luck with his other runners in the early stages of the Derby but that will be forgotten if this fellow gives him a second Irish Derby.
: An intriguing climax to the 2025 BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby, with the draw playing its part in opening it up somewhat. Despite that, it is difficult to look beyond last year’s runner-up, Cheap Sandwiches, who has returned to his very best in recent weeks. With Droopys Deploy likely to go up straight, there ought be no concern for him as he engages top gear on the run to and around the opening bends. If, as expected, he can sweep by Magical Mag at that point, he will be on the road to a record-breaking victory for his trainer.
Glengar Silent is the real improver in the competition and is respected, though he has a potentially difficult draw and will need to be sharper than ever to negotiate a clear path. British raider Proper Heiress was a long way below his best in the semi-finals and it seems too simple to chalk that down to the wide draw. At his best, he is a genuine player, but and he will need to be right at the top of his game to play a part. Barefoot On Song has a tough draw, but that’s not the case for Droopys Deploy, who stays well, should get a clear run around the outside, and can reach the frame.
: 5- 6–2
