NED IS SHELBOURNE BOUND FOR DERBY CHALLENGE

Ian Fortune

Jimmy Fenwick has again stated his intention to journey to Shelbourne Park for a crack at the Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby with his star Wicky Ned.

The 2024 Greyhound of the Year in the UK ran a huge race to finish an unlucky second in the TIME Dundalk International last Saturday night and soon after Fenwick confirmed the plan was to challenge for Derby honours.

Speaking to the Racing Post, Fenwick expressed his delight with how Wicky Ned handled the whole Dundalk experience and also highlighted his desire to run his star in Dublin.

Said Fenwick, “It was a brilliant race and we left there not disappointed at all. We were racing against elite company and the winner is an English and Irish Derby finalist and took his chance well.

“But we wanted to see if Ned could compete at this level as we want to take him to Shelbourne for a crack at the Irish Derby. With the longer straights in Dublin he will get that time to hopefully get clear to the corner and he’s a tough dog to beat when in front.

“Also he showed us he can travel without issues. He’s always been great in a vehicle, but he took the ferry in his stride and his weight was perfect when we got to the track.”

Indeed, the brilliant son of Droopys Sydney and Ballycowen Lucy would be a wonderful addition to the Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby, for which he is currently available at 50-1 with the sponsors. Were he to take to Shelbourne, which seems likely given his many qualities and undoubted versatility, that would seem a very big price indeed.

It’s worth remembering he has already won multiple Category 1 competitions, including the All England Cup the Northern Flat at Newcastle, the Puppy Invitation Trophy at Towcester, the Gymcrack, the Steel City Cup and the 3 Steps to Victory at Sheffield. Is he capable of adding Ireland’s biggest prize to his CV? Many believe he is.

We wish his owner Neil McGregor and trainer Jimmy Fenwick the best of luck in their preparations and can assure them they will be welcomed with open arms at Shelbourne Park.