IRISH raider Toolmaker Me Dad raced to a fastest-of-the-night success in the heats of the Ladbrokes Puppy Derby at Monmore on Saturday.

The Robert Gleeson-trained runner made all the running in the sixth and concluding heat to lead home Badminton Jet (Matt Dartnall) by three and a half lengths in a standard-setting 28.24sec (-10) for the 480m.

Gleeson handled 2013 Irish Derby winner Slippery Robert and trains Toolmaker Me Dad, a May 17 son of Scolari Me Daddy and Noelles Chiquito, for owner Willie Hyslop whose ‘Toolmaker’ prefix is well known in greyhound circles.

“We knew he was an exceptional talent when he trialled here in 28.11sec,” said Monmore racing manager Tony Williamson. “He took to the track well then and showed great pace in his heat on Saturday and I’m sure will come on again.

“We were obviously delighted to accept Robert’s (Gleeson) entry for the dog, as we were for John’s (McGee) greyhounds, also from Ireland. He enjoyed no luck, but it’s great to have Irish representation in the competition.

“I thought Roman Empire’s powerful style of running was quite breathtaking in many ways,” he added. “He changed gear into the third bend. I was stood by the paddock bend and the acceleration was a joy to watch. He looks well named!

“I know there will be improvement to come in the semi-finals from all the great pups we have in this year’s Ladbrokes Puppy Derby, but I’d have to say Toolmaker Me Dad and Roman Empire were the standout performers in the heats.”

The aforementioned Roman Empire struck for Ernie Gaskin’s kennel in heat four as the July 2017 son of Droopys Sydney and Droopys Hilda overcame crowding early before powering through the field to win by four lengths in 28.59sec (-10).

The event kicked off with success for Kevin Proctor’s Front Edge (Farloe Blitz-Rosmult Martha, July 17) who ran on well to score in 28.71sec (-10) before heat two went to Barrie Draper’s Newinn Buzz (Knockglass Billy-Newinn Expert, June 2017) in 28.62sec (-10).

That time was matched on debut by Paul Young’s Droopys Mac (Scolari Me Dad-Droopys Isabella, July 17) in heat three, while his Mark Wallis-trained litter brother Droopys Cruiser (28.77sec -10) made it a family double in heat six in strong-running style.

Saturday’s semi-final draw:-

First semi: 1 Droopys Cruiser, 2 Seaglass Tiger, 3 Distant Sailor, 4 Badminton Jet, 5 Droopys Mac (m), 6 Bubbly Spark (w).

Second semi: 1 Slaneyside Oneill, 2 Savana Tuftys, 3 Toolmaker Me Dad, 4 Front Edge, 5 Calzaghe Alfie (m), 6 Troy Zico (w).

Third semi: 1 Roman Empire, 2 King Idol, 3 Heathlawn Heidi, 4 Antigua Romeo (m), 5 Flip The Tyre (m), 6 Newinn Buzz (w).