The hugely exciting Greyhound Trader Towcester Pre-Derby Sales is just around the corner now with 48 greyhounds set to arrive upon the Northamptonshire venue on Monday 31st March.
With a plethora of success from the previous Pre-Derby sale graduates, this year looks no different with what could be argued as the most impressive catalogue to date published by Greyhound Trader.
As ever, Mark Pierrepoint is kindly on hand to mark your cards and give a rundown of what to expect from each lot on the day.
(By lot number – click on names to view full IGB form)
Trial 1
(1) MUSTANG MILE – May 2023 son of Mustang Jet and Mustang Markle who is yet to get off the mark in three career starts but has shown plenty of pace in defeat. Looks like finding the stiffer four bend trips a little bit on the tough side at least at this stage of his career but looks a lively candidate for tracks with good sprint trips and better still the short four bend course around Romford where he should be competing at a decent level.
(2) MUSTANG SHARK – Brother to ‘Mile’ and similarly to get off the mark but has shown pace and his recent 2933 Shelbourne Park trial showed him in good health. Looks a nice type to grade on handily and should more than pay his way here in the UK for new connections.
Trial 2
(3) TOMMYS GOODTIME – Wide margin winner of the only trial currently on his card last Saturday around Cork recording a highly promising 2941. Another of the Bull Run Bolt x Droopys Goodtime litter of September 2023 and looks a nice prospect.
(4) TELL ON JAFFA – Not a mark on the card of this June 2023 son of Coolavanny Hoffa and Tell On Lexie whose maiden litter to Malachi included Drowsy Jo the Dundalk and Shelbourne Park open race winner. Reports from the team back home suggest that this Hoffa litter have been showing a higher degree of potential so the on the day trial of Jaffa will be eagerly anticipated. A smart qualifying trial of 2908 at Cork on 25th March suggests more is to come from this one.
Trial 3
(5) TEMPESTADE (EX – RIVERSIDE SYDNEY) – September 2022 son of Droopys Sydney and Rural Aloha he’s a confirmed open class performer in Ireland with some stunning performances over 525 , 550 and 600 yards proving his versatility. Capable of some huge runs both off the front and from off the pace he’s the type that can keep on qualifying throughout competitions even when things don’t fall all his own way early on. There would be plenty of English Derby entrants going off at bigger prices than this lad would be and he could well be the type that may just go a few rounds in that competition shortly should he receive an entry.
(6) BOCKOS PRINCE – Just the two races on the card of this April 2023 son of Lenson Bocko and Bockos Melody who was a super open class performer on the track and runner up in the Puppy Derby at sales venue Towcester back in 2020. Prince landed the money in just the second race of his career coming from just off the pace to win in 2881 around Shelbourne Park. Dam Melody is a daughter of Ballymac Razl making her a close relation to some of the sports most recent superstars including full brother Ballymac Cashout who is now making his own waves as a stud dog of some repute.
Trial 4
(7) GOOD FAITH – Quite possibly the best looking greyhound in the sales catalogue this stunning fawn and white lady will draw admiring glances wherever she goes. She’s got the ability to match the looks however and though beaten into second on what is thus far the only competitive run on her card that effort can be discounted as she was found to be coughing the morning after that race and was subsequently withdrawn from the Clonmel novice stake she was engaged in. Faith had been fully expected to win that first round engagement in good style and though he time of 2936 wouldn’t be too bad at all a run nearer 2880 had been expected. Super early pace , super ability this June 2023 daughter of Ballyhimikin Jet out of 2021 English Oaks Champion Billys Diva will be going far.
(8) EPIC REBEL – November 2023 son of Good News out of Jaytee Sahara who is a hugely well proven producer of many open and competition class performers including but certainly very much far from limited to Billys Diva the 2021 English Oaks Champion. Pups from this line go on to win opens over all distances with the stamina to match their pace and this lad has been showing the Kennedy team that he is definitely heading in the right direction. Sales day trial will be of interest to many.
Trial 5
(9) TOOLMAKER QUICK (EX DROOPYS KERNEL) – March 2023 son of Droopys Buick out of the mass open and competition class producing dam Droopys Saab. Quick was rated highly from a very young age and demonstrated his huge pace to the wider public on career debut last November when leading all the way around Shelbourne Park to land a novice open in a super 2858. That run plus a few others of real promise were enough to convince trainer Robert Gleeson to head over to Newcastle with Quick to compete in the Northern Puppy Derby and the faith appeared well justified with a 7 length first round victory in 2887. Desperately unlucky to be eliminated in third position in his semi final he was brought back on final night and duly landed a Puppy Invitation in a sensational 2857 a time just 1 spot slower than that recorded by his kennel mate Droopys Deploy who landed the Northern Puppy Derby Final later on the card. He encountered severe crowding when challenging at the third bend at Limerick on his latest start and the run can be ignored. Huge run expected on sales day and looks a real classy sort that all those wishing to add a quality young competition greyhound to their kennels will be eager to secure.
(10) DROOPYS FAITHFUL – Unraced October 2023 daughter of Droopys Sydney and Droopys Curio who is sure to be high in demand for breeding purposes alone. Faithful has been showing enough in sprints at Kilkenny to impress the shrewd eyes of the Dunphy family and will improve massively upon her first attempt over 4 bends on Monday. Her sister Droopys Brooke sold for £5000 at the recent Perry Barr sales.
Trial 6
(11) NEILLS KNOCK – Unraced September 2023 dog pup by Tullig Raven from the maiden litter of the nicely bred Springhill Dynmo. Very lightly schooled thus far and a huge amount of improvement to be found off his initial and so far only four bend trial of 3015 around Waterford. Type that looks like grading on very handily here in the UK and improving through the grades at a rapid rate of knots.
(12) SKIDROW LUNA – Beaten just a couple of lengths behind her full brother Neils Knock in the only trial on her card and again looks tailor made to progress through the graded system here in the UK.
Trial 7
(13) MYSTICAL JET – This December 2022 son of Ballymac Cashout and Mystical Luna boasts a 50% strike rate on Irish soil with fantastic early paced victories coming at both Enniscorthy and Limerick. Jet’s career got off to the best possible start last October when showcasing to the public what he is capable of. Pinging from the lids he soon put daylight between himself and his rivals and it’s that kind of ability which has since become his trade mark. Winning runs of 2870 and 2881 around Enniscorthy have since been followed up with successful efforts of 2855 and 2853 around Limerick and his recent 1870 sprint trial effort around the latter venue show him to be in rude health and ready to kick on for what should be an open class career here in the UK. Will have no issue staying any four bend distance but the tracks which suit searing early and middle gears will obviously play to this lads strengths. Trialled this morning on Wednesday 26th March in 28.66 at Limerick.
(14) BATTERY CHARGER – October 2022 son of Ballymac Cashout and Fishing Love who was a three time race winner on the track and looks like making her mark as a brood. Charger is a member of a decent litter who have been making their presence known in high grade and open class . The first of two career victories to date came Thurles last June in 2940 and after a number of promising efforts in defeat since then he finally secured win number two when winning by a long way at Limerick at the end of January this year in 2882. Led right until the line over 600 yards at Limerick not too long ago and that run suggests there isn’t a four bend trip here in the UK that should prove any issue. Type that looks well capable of grading in handily and landing new connections a nice touch.
Trial 8
(15) BURNPARK MARGO – Unraced July 2023 daughter of Grangeview Ten and Burnpark Willow. Just two trials on the card of Margo who has ran out a wide margin winner of both with an initial 3034 at Galway improved upon massively with a 2965 effort at Limerick. Difficult to know when the improvement will stop and her on the day trial will be of great interest.
(16) WORKFOR STERLING – Unraced October 2023 daughter of Ballymac Cashout and Work Your Head who has produced some real nice open class types in her first two litters to Confident Rankin and Droopys Sydney respectively. The maiden litter to ‘Rankin’ included the talented Work The Head who won opens over four bends at Towcester whilst possessing the stamina to win over six bends at both Oxford and Crayford. The second litter to Droopys Sydney included Mad For Sterling who won many opens here in the UK over a wide range of four and six bend distances. This is a young pup from a well proven open class producing dam who herself in just the sole trial on her card has posted 2920 around Limerick. Destined for the top and the sky really is the limit.
Trial 9
(17) TARAMOA – Two trials and two wins on the card of this unraced June 2023 daughter of Ballyhimkin Jet and Paper Moon. Litter mates of Taramoa include Le Pur Sang who landed a nice semi final of a novice open stake at Cork just before Christmas in 2879 and also got her career up and running at the very first time of asking here in the UK when landing a Romford maiden in 2408. This is a very promising litter and based on the 2891 recorded by Taramoa in what was only her second ever official trial at Cork recently she’s destined for a career at the top of the sport here in the UK.
(18) PATOKA – Full brother to Taramoa and another who looks a real promising individual. Just the two trials on his card with a promising 2939 at Thurles beaten just 1 ½ in behind his aforementioned sister backed up with a 2897 run around Cork recently.
Trial 10
(19) ON THE WALL – A January 2024 son of Airmount Nando and Million Dreams who breeding enthusiasts will instantly recognise as the dam of the sensational Merits Inclusion who finished runner up in the Kirby Final in 2024. This pup is very highly thought off but arrives at the sale very lightly schooled and greatly in need of both fitness and experience before there is even the slightest indication of his true ability. Whatever he does on sales day there is an absolute mountain of improvement to come. A raw top class prospect who would arrive with new connections at the start of what promises to be a hugely exciting career.
(20) UNEXPECTED PARTY – Full sister to On The Wall detailed above with very similar comments applying.
Trial 11
(21) TULLIG NAVALNY – January 2023 son of Droopys Sydney and Hail Cleopatra who is a repeat mating brother to Irish superstar greyhound Da Bold Falcon. Navalny has shown high promise from the very start in his schooling and won his first ever race in 28.50 at Limerick. Slightly unlucky since, he is leaving Ireland on a high with another victory this time in 28.83 at Tralee where he showed a similar strong runner stying to his older brother. A 17.49 sprint at the same venue highlights the speed this dog undoubtedly has and expect a big trial on the day.
(22) GLENGAR DELILAH – May 2023 bitch by Ballyhimikin Jet out of Dolls Lady who of course is the dam of many of the sports recent stars including the ‘Peoples Champion’ Ballinabola Ed. Delilah has run just the five times thus far in her career winning once which came at Galway when leading all the way in 2915. Should make into a nice type here in the UK on the track but with her bloodlines will definitely have breeders showing an interest.
Trial 12
(23) SKIRK BOLGER – January 2023 son of Ballymac Bolger and Skirk Grace who backed up some promising efforts in defeat when landing the first victory of his career recently in 2898 at Shelbourne Park. A super early paced performance which bodes well for his future career here in the UK. Nice type who could very well be suited to the sharper four bend trips.
(24) GROUCHOS KING (EX – KNOCKALTON BOY) – October 2022 son of Confident Rankin and Knockalton Emily who is already a two time race winner in Ireland. Got his career up and running at the first time of asking with a sensational early pace always led victory around Limerick in 2853 and showed he’s capable from off the pace too coming from way behind at the same venue early this month to get up right on the line in a performance of real grit and determination. Strapping 78lb lad who will be well at home on the galloping circuits here in the UK.
Trial 13
(25) DUTCHIE – What a talent this strapping 82lb son of Droopys Sydney and Beaming Scarlet is. A November 2022 whelp who has just the nine races under his belt to date but has already produced a number of runs right out of the very top drawer. His 2798 success around Shelbourne Park on what was just the second start of his career last July highlights perfectly the class this stunning greyhound possesses. Desperately unlucky in defeat behind Air Flyer over 575 yards at Shelbourne last time out this greyhound will arrive fit and ready to get straight into action for his new connections. A career in competition class here in the UK beckons.
(26) MUSTANG RULER – February 2023 son of Explosive Boy and Akay Forty Seven who was a four and six bend open race winner in Ireland and memorably reached the final of the Cesarewitch at Mullingar in 2021. Interesting type whose breeding suggests he wants much further than the 400 yard he competed over when finishing runner up at Dundalk on his last start and was in front and still galloping strongly at the pick up on that occasion. Quite possible we’ve seen nothing like the best of this lad yet and running regularly at a suitable track and distance should bring out the best in him.
Trial 14
(27) AMAZING CASPER – An immense puppy prospect from the Kennedy team who is confidently expected to make into a leading competition class performer. Schooling trials have been nothing short of sensational from this September 2023 son of Dromana Bucko and Good Woman who posted an unheard of 1751 around Thurles a time not too far off the track record when having just the second race of her life back in June 2022. One of if not the most promising young greyhounds that the Kennedys have sent over to the UK sales in recent times so that gives you every indication of the talent this pup possesses. Plain and simply if it’s a pup from the top drawer that you’re looking for you will not want to miss out. His only mark on his card is a 2908 at Cork on 25th March, however that only tells half the story as the youngster made a complete hash of his start and recorded an extremely slow sectional.
(28) GOOD STEVIE – Not a mark on the card of this August 2023 son of Ballyhimikin Jet and Epic Majesty who is a daughter of the super brood Delightful Girl and a half sister to one of the fastest dogs in recent times Explosive Boy. Stevie has been reported as being a little slow to come to hand by the Kennedy team but the penny has really began to drop in recent schooling trials with him showing himself to be a relentless galloper who looks sure to appreciate every yard of any four bend trip and maybe further that the UK can offer. Might not show his best until later in the year but definitely one that those with a little bit of patience could find themselves rewarded.
Trial 15
(29) TOMMYS CHALLENGE – September 2023 pup of real promise by Bull Run Bolt out of Droopys Goodtime a four and six bend open race winner here in the UK and related to many high class sorts including but certainly not limited to Droopys Display the 2024 Kent Derby Champion. Tommys Challenge ran out a wide margin winner of the only trial on his card in 2911 around Cork.
(30) TOMMYS DOLLY – September 2023 daughter of Jaytee Taylor and Noelles Prosecco. A breeding line synonymous for producing strong staying types so this young lady won’t come into her own until stepped up to at least four bends and quite possibly further once age and experience allow. Her sprints around Cork (latest 1856 on 25th March) really do not show her potential over an extended trip.
Trial 16
(31) WORK FOR CASH – Another hugely promising member of the October 2023 litter of Ballymac Cashout and Work Your Head. A full sister to Workfor Sterling and went even better than she did in her initial and so far only official trial posting 2899 around Limerick. A top prospect and sure to have no end of admirers hoping to add her to their kennels come the end of sales day at Towcester.
(32) MOVE OVER EVA – Unraced August 2023 daughter of Move Over Cha out of Millridge Zoey who was a regular top grade winner on the track at Tralee and produced some nice top grade and open types in her maiden litter to Dorotas Wildcat. Eva has just the sole trial on her card posting 2981 at Limerick. Plenty to come yet as she improves for both age and experience.
Trial 17
(33) MUSTANG TITAN – Unraced July 2023 son of Ballyhimikin Jet out of Mustang Kay Cee who showcased great promise in what was just the second official trial of his life at Shelbourne Park recently recorded 2938. Dam Kay Cee is a well proven producer of open and competition class stars including the likes of Mustang Jet runner up in the 2022 Irish St Leger and winner of many big races. One for the open class scene with much improvement to come Titan is sure to make the shortlists of many.
(34) MUSTANG ODYSSEY – Full brother to ‘Titan’ this stunning fawn youngster might be some way behind his obviously talented comrade at this stage but his two four bend trials of 2972 Clonmel and 2988 Shelbourne Park are far from pedestrian for a pup and with plenty left in the locker he falls firmly into the ‘could be anything’ category at this early stage.
Trial 18
(35) RADICAL SCOBY – November 2022 son of Ballymac Bolger and Scooby Princess the superstar Irish competition class bitch who landed opens for fun memorably landing the Limerick Oaks Final of 2021 and finishing runner up in the Irish Oaks of the same year. Scoby himself is a winner of three races the last two of those coming in open class. Semi final success in the Cesarewitch early in March saw him reaching the final of the prestigious Mullingar event where he ran a superb second to the sensational Singalong Dolly. Ready made four and six bend open class performer who will be landing some big races here in the UK for his new connections.
(36) PHOENIX CHARLIE (EX – HAUGHEY) – Five wins in total in his short career to date and a winner of four of his last five races this stunning brindle son of Ballymac Best and Lemon Ariana is a high class sort who looks set to take the UK open racing scene by storm. He has a touch of everything , traps well , super early and middle and eye catchingly still galloping strongly into the pick up. There will be plenty of good class four bend races and events to target with this lad but could any potential buyer also have one eye on his possible short six bend ability and his competition class prospects over the likes of Romford’s 575m trip ? Dam Lemon Ariana has produced some real nice sorts previously including 2024 Puppy Derby and Gold Cup Finalist Antigua Eagle and staying star Jacktavern Bella winner of many big six bend races and a finalist in the St Leger of 2023. Quality performer and could well become a leading player in many big category one events throughout the rest of the year.
Trial 19
(37) RECOVERY – January 2023 son of Malachi out of Love Island who regularly produces open and competition class performers. Responsible for the likes of Knockeen Dazzler the 2024 Con & Annie Kirby Memorial Champion amongst many others Recovery has been held in the highest terms by the Matthews team for quite sometime. Handled patiently as his primary objective heading into 2025 was an attempt on this years renewal of the Kirby. Unfortunately first bend trouble put him out of the competition at the first hurdle however his previous weeks victory at Dundalk recording 2871 and a 3125 victory over Shelbourne Parks 575 yard trip at the end of February highlight his class. There is much more to come from this young greyhound as the year progresses however and he’s fully expected to become a leading player in many of the UK’s big events.
(38) BUNDORAN – Highly rated April 2023 son of Signet Ace and Getawaywithit who has been given plenty of time to mature into his 81lb frame by the shrewd Matthews team. Trialling at Limerick last Saturday evening he posted 2900 seconds but those in attendance had him noted down as one to watch given the many lengths he left on the track particularly around the opening two bends. As with all youngsters hailing from the Brendan Matthews camp this youngster will arrive with his new connections in top shape and is fully expected to make into a high class open racing prospect as the year progresses. This is the maiden litter of Getawaywithit who is a daughter of Precious Story and a full sister to De Machine the sensational Irish Champion Stakes winner of 2021. This line produces strong running greyhounds with regularity so no doubts that this strapping youngster will appreciate the stiff galloping circuits of the UK and potentially a step up to longer distances as he matures.
Trial 20
(39) CASCADE SANCH – April 2023 blue bitch by Malachi out of Coolavanny Spice who is a full sister to 2018 Irish Derby finalist Jaytee Taylor.
(40) YAHOO CANDICE – April 2023 bitch pup by Malachi from the maiden litter of Geelo Celticgold. Full sister Coolavanny Shona reached the final of the Gourmet Island Puppy Oaks at Shelbourne in November and the litter in general look highly promising. Despite having already secured two victories from just seven career starts it looks highly likely that we won’t see the best of Candice until she’s stepped up in trip. Coming from way behind in both of those Galway successes to win in 2918 and 2914 respectively she’s looked every inch a stayer in the making. Real nice type and coming from the Noel Hehir set up new connections will be safe in the knowledge that Candice will arrive in super condition.
Trial 21
(41) SWORDS HERO (EX – RURAL SYDNEY) – This September 2022 son of Droopys Sydney and Rural Aloha is one for those looking for an experienced sort ready to go straight into open class company here in the UK. A five time winner on Irish soil with an initial A1 victory around Limerick being followed up with a first round heat win in the Kirby at the same venue back in January. Further open race success has followed at Shelbourne Park and at Clonmel with super wins in heat and semi final of the Riverside Kennels Muster Xmas Cup. Winning times of 2836 Limerick , 2958 over the 550 yard trip at Shelbourne and most recently 2857 Clonmel highlight this lads class. Big run expected on sales day.
(42) CLONA BINGO (EX – NEWINN SHERIFF) – December 2022 son of Droopys Sydney and Magnetism who being a daughter of Coolavanny Pearl is related to many competition class performers including full brother Clona Duke the 2022 Juvenile Derby Champion , 2023 Waterford and Nottingham Select Stakes Winner and 2023 English Derby Finalist.
Trial 22
(43) JACKTAVERN RACER – February 2023 black son of Dorotas Wildcat out of the superb brood Limini who has previously produced 2021 Irish Derby third Jackslittlething, Swords Maestro and Tory Bellatrix. Racer was a superb winner of his first round heat at Tralee in the prestigious Juvenile Classic in a very smart 2857 only to be unlucky to crash out in the second round after first bend trouble. He is sure to be a very good addition to any open race kennel.
(44) STRINGER – May 2023 black son by Ballymac Cashout by Highview Magnet. Has shown plenty of promise in his young career with 2 wins under his belt. Beaten just 2 lengths in 28.87 at Shelbourne Park on a cold February night after a very slow start, he showed great backstraight pace and powered home on the run-in to stay on strong. Definitely a sort who looks to enjoy a stiff trip.
Trial 23
(45) DROOPYS SMOOTHIE – Super well bred November 2023 bitch pup who as usual arrives at the sales reared and schooled to perfection by the famed Droopys team but without an official mark on her card. A daughter of the super stud Droopys Sydney out of Queen Lilly who was a regular open race winner here in the UK over both the sprint and four bend trips. Lilly hails from the Skate On line and anybody who knows anything at all about breeding will know that this line produces open and competition class performers with clockwork regularity. Smoothie will be in high demand come sales day both for her obvious immediate track prospects but without doubt due to her brood potential further down the line.
(46) DROOPYS SCRATCH – Full sister to ‘Smoothie’ detailed above and again arrives without a mark on her card and very similar comments applying.
Trial 24
(47) ZARI LIZZY – March 2023 bitch from the Tullig Cyrname x Zari Frankie litter who showed a likeable attitude to overcome a poor draw out wide at Limerick when coming from off the pace there to win in 2938 at the back end of 2024. Should prove a useful addition to any graded kennel looking for a solid strong running grader who will pay her way.
(48) ZARI SAM – Unraced full brother to Lizzy who posted 3028 around Limerick in what was the first four bend trial of his life. Left to mature over the winter months and will improve rapidly for regular racing throughout the year.
RESERVES:
(A) ABSURD – Full-sister to Lot 38 Bundoran. Has taken slightly more time to reach the track due to her larger frame when weighing in at 69lb in her latest trial. If arriving on the day, could prove to be a nice pick up for the grades.
(B) FLASHING MELODY – An unraced August 2023 bitch bred in the purple out of Ballymac Best and Ballymac Ariel. Has shown plenty of promise in her two qualifying trials at Limerick and Kilkenny and not only does she look a top class prospect on the track, but also she has the potential to make a great broodbitch. Sure to attract plenty of interest if she turns up.
(C) HIGH POWER – Full-sister to Lot 27 Amazing Casper. No mark to her name but could be anything. One to watch.
(D) LING LING – May 2023 daughter of Droopys Sydney and Blossoms Pet who is a race winner in 21.50 at Dundalk. Finishing well in each of her races, she could be well suited to the Towcester track.
(E) PINK MOON – June 2023 blue daughter of Ballyhimkin Jet and Paper Moon who made a sensational debut at Cork on 27 March winning in a very smart 2876. Litter brother and sister are earlier in the sales catalogue.
(F) SPARKS CHARM (EX FASTNET BELLE) – October 2022 blue bitch by Balymac Bolger out of Charity Anna. Dam has previously produced top performer Hopes Paddington. Has a 2914 win at Clonmel on her card.
(G) ZARI LOLA – Unraced March 2023 daughter of Tullig Cyrname and Zari Frankie who was an open class performer around Sheffield and since retirement has been producing some nice top grade and open class pups of her own. Not much to go off on her trials to date but plenty young enough to improve and should grade in handily for new connections.
