NOTTINGHAM created its own slice of history on Friday as the family-owned Colwick Park track became the fifth venue to stage a Greyhound Derby heat as the first round of the Star Sports, Arc and Local Parking Security (LPS)-backed event kicked off over 500m.

After 16 of the 32 first-round heats – the remaining 16 were staged on Saturday – the distinction of fastest-of-the-night went to the Irish raider Droopys Davy who, always handy, came home strongly to clock 29.46sec (+30) when catching longtime leader Antigua Romeo to claim the spoils for trainer Pat Buckley.

Droopys Davy’s victory was one of seven Irish-trained successes on the night with Paganini Show (30.02sec) initiating a double for Buckley, while Graham Holland landed a three-timer courtesy of Clonbrien Prince (29.70sec), Nice Charmer (29.96sec) and Wolfe (29.54sec). Brendan Matthews struck with Ribchester (29.98sec), with Gerry Holian landing the spoils with Lemon Shane (29.59sec).

Jimmy Fenwick was at the double with Scottish Derby runner-up Cooneen Jack (29.70sec) and Lemon Ronald (29.61sec ) both winning for the Newcastle traIner, while Sporting Dave (29.71) had the distinction of winning heat one of the sport’s greatest race for Derby-winning trainer Seamus Cahill.

Angela Harrison sent out Droopys Trapper (29.60sec) to win his heat, likewise Derek Knight’s Slaheny Star (29.89sec) prevailed in his, while there were also wins for Paul Meek’s Oaks finalist Emers Cookie (29.72sec), Gary Ferguson’s Adis Abebba (29.71sec), Kevin Boon’s Swan Style (29.87) and Hayley Keightley’s Roxholme Glory (29.62sec).

Defending champion Dorotas Wildcat played his part in one of the races of the night as he was edged out by Irish raider Wolfe in heat 16, but Kevin Hutton’s superstar delighted his trainer who reports him to come out of the race “tired, but well”. Despite defeat, he will be the biggest name in Monday’s draw for the second round next weekend.

Hutton said: “I was absolutely thrilled with the run. It’s easy to forget that’s only his third race since November, so he should improve week by week. It was a cracking run against a very good dog and we’re just delighted to be in hat ready to go again. He’s tired this morning, but has had a nice bath and will be grand for next week.”

Nottingham director Nathan Corden was delighted with the first batch of Derby heats at the track, commenting: “I thought the racing was top-notch. There were some notable performances from Sporting Dave and Wolfe’s hard-fought tussle with Dorotas Wildcat was a great way to round off the first evening of Derby action here.

“It was good to see a decent crowd, including so many greyhound fans from both sides of the Irish Sea. It was also great to hear Ben Keith (sponsor) of Star Sports report a busy betting ring with plenty of wagers being struck. Overall a cracking night for the Irish-trained runners, but the English qualified most of their big guns too.”

Fellow Nottingham director Rachel Corden added: “It was fantastic to watch the traps open on the first heat and I know my dad (Terry Corden) would have been looking down and smiling!

“It was lovely to have Ben (Keith) in the betting ring and he was on hand to personally congratulate each and every heat winner as they received their lovely memento trophies, kindly provided by Mark Burridge.

“The running surface was immaculate – a testament to our groundstaff team who work tirelessly to always ensure the best possible for our canine atheletes – and it was great to have a commentator and Paul Lawrence did a sterling job.

“We’re all looking forward to the rest of the competition and everyone is certainly enjoying the friendly Anglo-Irish rivalry. Wildcat will come on for his run and he’s a proven competition dog. I love seeing the bond he has with Donna (Witchells).

“There were some really impressive performances last night from both sides of the water and I’m sure many more to come throughout the competition.”

Star Sports, Arc and LPS Greyhound Derby dates:-

First round: Friday, May 25 & Saturday, May 26

Second round: Friday, May 31 & Saturday, June 1

Third round: Friday, June 7

Quarter-finals: Saturday, June 15

Semi-finals: Saturday, June 22

Final: Saturday, June 29

Further info: www.nottinghamdogs.com