De Lahdedah Sets Sights On English Derby Defence
DEFENDING champion De Lahdedah sets his sights on consecutive G1 English Derby titles after his incredible semi-final performance.
HISTORY is in the making as defending champion De Lahdedah sets his sights on consecutive Group 1 English Derby (500m) titles after his incredible semi-final performance at Towcester on Saturday night.
It promises to be an electrifying clash of raw sprint talent from the six finalists, all vying for the £175,000 ($364,367.50 AUS) winner's cheque in the iconic feature.
Five of the six Derby finalists are Irish-trained runners, with Droopys Plunge being the sole UK representative in the lineup.
De Lahdedah, trained by Liam Dowling, didn't make the quickest start in his semi-final off trap two, but he displayed incredible determination, driving under his rivals at the first turn to chase out after the leaders.
Once he levelled with Sole Mio coming off the back, De Lahdedah laid down the challenge and powered through to take the lead in the final strides, scoring by a half-length in 28.62.
“What a dog,” said Dowling.
“Sole Mio took a fly and it was quite hard to make a run at the third bend.
“Although he left it late, De Lahdedah managed to make his run, which was a great effort.
“All the while responding to the critics – a brilliant performance”
Only four greyhounds in English Derby history have achieved the incredible feat of winning back-to-back titles: the legendary Mick The Miller, Patricias Hope, Rapid Ranger, and Westmead Hawk.
With Bombay Pat finishing 3-1/2 lengths behind in third, trainer Graham Holland will prepare half the field in the English Derby as Bockos Diamond narrowly defeated his kennel mate Cheap Sandwiches to secure an impressive semi-final victory.
The son of Dorotas Wildcat burst out of trap six with incredible early speed into the first bend, chased closely by his kennel mate.
However, he showed his dominance, winning decisively by 1-3/4 lengths in 28.51, with Patrick Janssens' Droopys Plunge finishing in third.
Graham Holland's wife and assistant trainer, Nicky, had nothing but praise for their runners' efforts.
“Unbelieve results,” she said of the kennels' achievement.
“All we cared about was trying to qualify them; winning time didn't matter.
“The pressure was on as Bombay Pat secured third place and qualified.
“Both Bockos Diamond and Cheap Sandwiches are professionals, and we're really pleased with the result.”
The trap draw for the 2025 English Derby Final is set to happen during the special Derby luncheon on Monday.
2025 Group 1 English Derby Field (not in trap order)
De Lahdedah
Sole Mio
Bombay Pat
Bockos Diamond
Cheap Sandwiches
Droopys Plunge
■ ■ ■ ■ ■
REIGNING Towcester track record holder Lennies Desire has the Group 2 English Derby Plate (500m) within reach after delivering yet another strong performance in the semi-final for trainer Paul Hennessey.
The son of Signet Ace broke quickly from trap six, and despite encountering a bump at the first turn, he maintained the lead.
He fended off a strong challenge from Romeo Tomcat to secure an impressive victory in 29.25.
“That was a tough race,” trainer Paul Hennessey remarked following the performance.
“Hopes Ompaloompa took his back legs from underneath at the first turn.
“He lost some momentum and had to put in a lot of effort to fend off Romeo Tomcat.
“The run was outstanding – well-deserved credit to his performance.”
Nathan Hunt's Scooby The Boss (x Ballymac Bolger) won the other semi-final in 28.84 ahead of Deliveroo.
All photos courtesy of Jim Tate Photography – https://jimtatephotography.picfair.com/
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