1960 GREYHOUND DERBY

This race was run at the White City.

 Early Rounds

Great excitement welcomed the start of this years competition with most believing that Mile Bush Pride, who had won last years event and the majority of other competitions he had entered, would win for a second consecutive year. Some thought that Pigalle Wonder would regain his former brilliance, but few expected the shocks of the early rounds. First Pigalle was eliminated after being badly baulked at the first bend, and then Mile Bush was beaten by his kennelmate, Clonalvy Pride  who became a viable alternative. In the second round the brilliance returned to Mile Bush with a scintillating 9 length victory in 28.63.

Semi-Finals

In the first semi-final the doubters returned as Mile Bush was drawn in an unfavourable 5 box and, as expected, missed his break in a bid to reach the required rails position. Kennelmate Clonalvy Pride once again got the upperhand after a slick break and led Mile Bush by a good 4 lengths. Although he ran on strongly he could not peg back the early leader and even had a tussle with Gorey Airways before getting passed him. The final qualifying spot went to Wheatfield Susan and the winning time was 28.67. The second semi did not command the same interest or excitement and remarkably went to litter brother Clonalvy Romance. He led early and was never troubled coming home 4 3/4 lengths ahead of runner up Duleek Dandy in a less than impressive 28.91, with Caramilk back in third.

The Final

The draw provided Mile Bush Pride with a favourable inside box and he was confidently made the 4/5 favourite with Clonalvy Pride clear next best at 2/1. As the traps lifted it was Clonalvy Romance that led and went clear from Duleek Dandy with Mile Bush Pride a disappointing fifth. As they went down the far side Duleek gradually made up ground on the leader and Mile Bush started to make his move. By the time they reached the third bend Duleek had got on terms with Clonalvy and Mile Bush was starting to threaten. The pivotal moment as Clonalvy tired near the rails and Mile Bush refused to go around on the outside. This provided Duleek just enough of a lead in the home straight and he hung on by 2 1/4 lengths in a slow 29.15. The supporters of Mile Bush were disappointed that he could not even pass Clonalvy before the line and finished a length adrift.

Be the first person to provide an account of this final, or to have a picture of the winner, published on this page. 

Email me at johnslusar@fsmail.net

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