Plans Fluid For Towcester Big Guns As Holland Launches Classic Campaign
GRAHAM HOLLAND, the County Tipperary-based Englishman who has twice won Towcester's English Greyhound Derby, started his preparation for an assault on this year's Classic with a three-pronged raid on the Northamptonshire circuit on Sunday.
His kennel emerged with one winner in Slippery Brian (28.65 sec, fastest of the day) and two seconds in Gaytime Joachim and Swords Style, with the latter in particular standing out on his first take a look at the circuit.
Holland, who has yet to finalise his full Towcester raiding party, stated of last month's Tote Gold Cup finalist: "He absolutely flew out [3.75 sec sectional] and I think if anything he caught the hare driver out.
"He was 3 lengths clear entering into the bend however came out of it 2nd as he moved off towards the hare. He ran all right after that behind the winner [Kevin Hutton's Rebel Alaska] and it was great to provide all a look round.
"I'm happy that Towcester have brought the brand-new traps in. I have actually flagged that as an issue for several years now and it's good to see that things are being rectified there by the new management at the track.
"I was also pleased to see Towcester maintain the competitors this year under Mike Davis. I'm not persuaded that the new at Dunstall Park is ideal for the Derby. You need a correct test and a track where early speed isn't everything."
Having won back-to-back crowns with Romeo Magico in 2022 and Gaytime Nemo in 2023, Holland was once again well represented in last year's final won by Patrick Janssens' Droopys Plunge, with his 2024 Irish Derby hero Bockos Diamond completing second, subsequent 2025 Shelbourne champ Cheap Sandwiches running 4th and Bombay Pat also reaching the decider.
The latter is presently recovering from a serious injury which necessitated an operation and plate placed, however Holland explained himself as "hopeful" that his two Shelbourne superstars might yet make a return for another fracture at the English crown.
"They have actually both had issues, however we're working away at home and I'm pleased with how they're going," he said. "I couldn't say for specific today that they'll be coming over but if things continue to advance then we have actually got an opportunity.
"Bombay Pat was lucky to be alive after his injury, however he's doing well after the operation and we'll probably try him with a couple of bitches when the time's right."
Sunday's runners travelled over with Holland's partner Nicky and the group will when again be lodging at the kennels of Kent-based trainer Jamie Kingsley for their Classic project.
Holland, who was at home supervising his kennel's weekend runners in Ireland which consisted of a hat-trick of winners in the second round of Limerick's distinguished Kirby memorial, said: "Nicky took a trip over on her own with the canines and all worked out in terms of the journey and settling in at Jamie's base.
"As for the Kirby, the group ran well and we've some good canines in there. With concerns to the Derby, if we're lucky adequate to get any through to the final at Limerick then there's no chance they 'd be heading over.
"The Kirby is a tough competitors and only completes a couple of weeks before the Derby starts. These are young dogs so you do not desire to over do it with them."
The start of the Star Sports & Orchestrate Greyhound Derby is now simply one month away, with the first-round action set to be run over three consecutive nights, beginning on Thursday, April 30, and runs through to the final on Saturday, June 6.