GRAHAM HOLLAND set out his English Derby intentions by regaining the Time Greyhound Nutrition Juvenile as Swords Style produced a seriously good trap-to-line performance to lift the prestigious one-off over 500m at Towcester.

Having plundered the 2024 running with Faypoint Harvey and then seen Bockos Diamond finish third to Proper Heiress and subsequent Derby champion Droopys Plunge in a star-studded renewal last year, it was the turn of Holland’s Swords Style to cut out the early running and keep rivals at bay to seal the title and the £5,000 first prize.

Trapping smartly, the September 2023 son of Grangeview Ten and Emers Sally was soon clear and in pole position, although Scooby The Lady (Richard Rees) and then Santas Amigo (David Mullins) launched challenges down the far side and looked dangerous until  the former was hampered rounding the third and fourth turns.

This effectively sealed the deal for an Irish victory as Swords Style raced on for a two-length victory over Santas Amigo and the rallying Scooby The Lady. The winning time was 28.79sec (normal) for the 500m trip.

Afterwards connections confirmed the Star Sports & Orchestrate Ltd. English Greyhound Derby was the main target now for the Barbara Lowndes-owned runner along with a number of kennelmates with the Co. Tipperary-based set-up eyeing a third win in the Classic, which starts across three nights on Thursday, April 30.

Shane Rigney of sponsors Time Greyhound Nutrition was on hand to present the winning trophy and congratulate Nicky Holland and the team.

“It was a superb run and well done to the Hollands, Swords Style is some dog when he gets a chance to dominate like that,” said Rigney. “He’s a strong early-paced runner who could well go deep in this year’s English Derby and further fly the flag for Time!

“This is the third year running we’ve sponsored this race and have been delighted to be involved again, backing another very competitive Juvenile.”