CLONA DUKE heads into Saturday’s 2023 Star Sports & TRC English Greyhound Derby Final with another 500m track record at Towcester under his belt after blitzing to a 28.69sec (normal) victory when initiating a brilliant Derby semi-final double for trainer Graham Holland at the weekend.

The March 2021 son of Malachi and Coolavanny Pearl, bettering his own first-round track record by four spots, now lines up as one of three Holland-trained runners gunning for the £175,000 prize – an incredible effort which matches seven-time Derby winner Charlie Lister’s feat in the 2003 decider at Wimbledon.

Winner of the Time Greyhound Nutrition Select Stakes at Waterford in the run-up to his English Derby bid, Irish entry Clona Duke was soon in top gear in his semi and never challenged thereafter once hitting the front early on, racing away impressively for a facile near five-length success.

Indeed, it was a race against the clock – which he won! It was also a race to qualify in behind with kennelmate Gaytime Nemo making it a Holland-trained one-two, with Richard Rees’s Cochise keeping on well to finish third – and secure his place in the final as a Cesarewitch champion eyeing a famous big-race double.

Swords Rex then completed the Holland double strike in the second semi-final as the July 2020 son of Droopys Sydney and Starry Display was again hugely impressive as he maintained the only unbeaten record in this year’s English Greyhound Derby after another authoritative effort from the Easter Cup champion.

Blasting to a 4.06sec sectional, Swords Rex was never challenged once outgunning the Patrick Janssens-trained Romeo Command, his market rival, into the turn after the latter missed the break. Thereafter, Swords Rex drew clear for a three and a half lengths win in 28.76sec (normal), his fastest in the Derby to date.

Romeo Command recovered superbly to finish second, ahead of last year’s Sussex Cup champion Ninja Kerry, who provides Hove trainer Belinda Green with her first Derby finalist. However, it was very much Graham Holland’s night in terms of semi-final success and trainer’s wife Nicky was naturally delighted.

“They’ve run great and we’re thrilled to have three runners in the final,” she said. “It was a shame to see (Jacktavern) Bella go out but she’s had a brilliant campaign. In fact, we couldn’t have asked for more from the team and it’s a great achievement to get three through – especially following someone like Charlie Lister, an absolute legend of the game.

“Clona Duke beating his own track record was special. He charged the boxes in the second round and has just taken time to recover his best, but that was exceptional in the semis and the time says it all. And what can you say about Swords Rex? He’s yet to be beaten in the Derby, is an utter professional, and runs from any trap.

“Gaytime Nemo has not had the easiest of paths to the final. He’s been drawn inside and outside but his looks a decent draw in the final – if he comes away, of course. It’s just great to be back again and our thanks once again go the Firmagers for hosting us during the Derby. They’re great friends and look after us so well.

“It’s obviously a busy time. We were at Clonmel on Sunday night for the Produce Stakes, then it was back to Towcester on Monday for the Derby lunch. It’s great to be a part of and we’d like to wish everyone the best of luck on Saturday. It’s a great Derby final.”