IRELAND take a numerical advantage into Saturday’s Star Sports & Arc Greyhound Derby Final at Nottingham with four of the six finalists – although it is a home-trained runner who generally tops the betting to create greyhound racing history next weekend.

Southwood Jet, trained by Richard Rees from his Burhill kennels in Surrey, looks set to line up as favourite to grab the £50,000 prize after winning the first semi-final on Saturday.

Well away, he crucially led into the bend ahead of Knocknaboul Syd and, when the Irish rival was forced to check his stride and was crowded out of contention, Southwood Jet was soon clear and on his way to a 29.97sec (-30) success for owner Jeremy Hayes.

Graham Holland’s Irish raider Ballydoyle Valor kept on well for second for owners Justin and Pat Muldoon, finishing in front of compatriot Coolavanny Chick, who secures the fine achievement of being the sole bitch in the final for owner and trainer Noel Hehir.

Charlie Rees, representing his father, was natural delighted with the winner and unbeaten runner who aims to become the third Rees-trained runner to win a Greyhound Derby after victories for Richard’s late father and grandfather. An extraordinary feat already.

“He’s just done us all proud,” said Rees jnr after a magnificent straight seventh victory in the UK. “When he led into the bend there was just a huge sigh of relief and he deserves this. He’s done everything right, is desperate to get to the front and just wants to win.”

Wolfe struck for Ireland in the second semi-final as the Graham Holland-trained runner produced a powerful performance to come through at the third bend to win in 29.96sec (-30) and secure a second finalist for the Co. Tipperary-based Englishman.

The Easter Cup champion, owned by the Moloney family, was chased home by Pat Buckley’s Deerjet Sydney for Kenny Glen and longtime leader Smurfs Machine for English Derby-winning trainer Seamus Cahill and owners Rick Martin, Myles Simmons and George Williams.

Nicky Holland, representing her trainer husband, said: “It’s just great to have two finalists and I’m so pleased for both dogs, they’ve deserved it.

“It was something of a last-minute decision for Wolfe. He had some issues after lockdown, but ran so well on Irish Derby final night that we felt he deserved to take his chance and he’s done brilliantly. He’s got the heart of a lion and come through some tough draws.

“Ballydoyle Valor was here for last year’s Derby and his owners Justin and Pat travelled over to see him. They’re based in the north of Ireland and, before lockdown, would be everywhere cheering him on. He’s been so strong and gutsy.”

Nottingham’s Nathan Corden said: “It’s a great final and really interesting how it might pan out. You seriously couldn’t rule out any of the runners and, in a truly difficult year, we’ve got a fantastic final and a brilliant supporting card here next week to look forward to.

“I thought Southwood Jet was once again exceptional in his semi-final, his early pace was again really impressive. You look at the draw and think with him in trap one and Deerjet Sydney in two it might be a case of who traps best of the pair might go on.

“But the quality from top to bottom is top drawer. They were tough conditions again on Saturday given the rain we had – once again our grounds management team led by Paul Smith played a blinder – and I suppose at least it was the same for both semi-finals.

“Of course, with no crowds as such with people just in the restaurant, is hasn’t been the Derby we planned for earlier this year, but at least we are having a Derby and everyone has played their part in extraordinary circumstances to ensure that we’ve raced.

“I say congratulations to the five trainers who have made the final – well done in particular to Graham and Nicky Holland for their two finalists – and to the six sets of owners. Well done also to Noel Hehir for his Coolavanny Chick being a bitch qualifier. That’s fantastic.”

Saturday’s card at the Colwick Park circuit includes four finals supporting the £50,000 Star Sports & Arc Greyhound Derby.

These are the RPGTV Derby Plate (Category Two), RPGTV Stayers Trophy (Category Two), RPGTV Puppy Trophy (Category Two) and British-bred The Westmead Legacy In Memory Of Natalie Savva Trophy (Category Three).

In addition, a number of prestigious and valuable one-offs are being held including the Dorando Marathon (905m), sponsored by Star Sports. Entries for these and the other supporting opens close at 11am on Monday.

Trap draw and form for Saturday’s Star Sports & Arc Greyhound Derby Final: www.bagsracing.com/assets/31-october—nottingham-adv.pdf

Star Sports & Arc Greyhound Derby dates:-

Final: Saturday, October 31