ONE OF THE BEST, CLARES ROCKET, PASSES

ONE OF THE BEST, CLARES ROCKET, PASSES

Ian Fortune

The always wonderful social media feed of Riverside Kennels posted the sad news yesterday evening that Clares Rocket, one of the fastest greyhounds of the modern era, has passed away at twelve years of age after a long and happy retirement.

This scribe was lucky enough to meet the sensational son of Confident Rankin in recent months during the recording of Legacy – The Story of the 2025 Irish Greyhound Derby. Visting the Riverside Kennels of Graham and Nicky Holland, I was quickly introduced to Rocket as he strolled around the kitchen.

He loved the attention afforded to him that day and it was clear he was a part of the Holland family. Certainly, he was grey around the snout and was showing the signs of age but he was very much king of his kingdom.

On the track he was a true superstar, possessing the type of pace rarely seen. We send on our sincerest condolences to all that knew him and looked after him in his retirement.

Below is a transcript of what was said of Clares Rocket on the Riverside Kennels X and Instagram feed. It certainly conveys how they are feeling and how much they will miss Rocket. 

To many, Clares Rocket was one of the fastest greyhounds on the planet. But at Riverside Kennels, he was so much more than that.

In the kennel, Rocket was a pleasure to train. He lit up the place wherever he went and was the bounciest, most playful dog in the yard. At one point he lived with the great Ballydoyle Honey and what a pair they were together.

On the track, he achieved so much. In 2016 he won the Produce Stakes and Champion Stakes before reaching the 2017 English Derby Final. Injury sadly stopped him from making the Irish Derby Final and although he never went to stud due to being infertile, we’re sure there would have been plenty of “baby Rockets” lighting up tracks everywhere.

Retirement soon brought him to life on the sofa or more often, any bed he could find! At first he stood waiting by his kennel door wanting to go back in and be part of the team again, but he soon settled into home life.

Rocket quickly became best friends with (Garryvoe) Bobby, who followed him everywhere, even up the gallop on morning runs. Rocket also had a habit of breaking the house rules, regularly getting caught on sofas and beds he wasn’t supposed to be on but that soon changed!

In summer, he would wake the house by starting the kennel choir howling along with him and if you were sitting down inside, he’d stand in front of you demanding strokes until he got them. He was particularly fond of rain water as well!

Then came Cadbury the Labrador. Rocket became the perfect big brother, teaching him how to be naughty and open the baby gate! Cadbury adored him and always wanted to be just like him. Later came Twirl and Rocket’s calm nature helped her settle in from day one.

It’s fair to say his favourite person was Graham. Whether travelling to the UK during his racing days or relaxing at home years later, they were best mates. And if you ask Graham today, he’ll still tell you Clares Rocket was the fastest dog he ever trained.

Rocket sadly passed away last week. He will never be forgotten, not only for his incredible speed and excitement on the track, but for the love, joy and laughter he brought to our family every day.

Sleep well, Rocket man. We all miss you