1955 Irish Greyhound Derby

The 1955 Irish Greyhound Derby took place during July and August with the final being held at Harold's Cross Stadium in Dublin on 12 August 1955.[1]

1955 Irish Greyhound Derby
VenueHarold's Cross Stadium
LocationDublin
End date12 August
Total prize money£500 (winner)

The winner Spanish Battleship won £500 and was trained by Tom Lynch and owned by Tim 'Chubb' O'Connor.[2] Spanish Battleship won a historic third consecutive title, a feat that had not been achieved before or since.

Final result

At Harold's Cross, 12 August (over 525 yards):

Position Name of Greyhound Breeding Trap SP Time Trainer
1st Spanish BattleshipSpanish Chestnut – Ballyseedy Memory15-4f29.53Tom Lynch
2nd Crostys BellThe Grand Champion – Crosty Lady67-429.85Jerry Lyne
3rd Dancing JesterFairy Jester – Castleview Dancer510-130.01Tom Lynch
4th Sailaway Sailorunknown4100-730.09
5th Mile Bush Championunknown28-1
6th Claremont JohnDerrycrussan – Claremont Girl3100-8James Campbell

Distances

4, 2, 1 (lengths)

Competition Report

Spanish Battleship was a national icon by the time he lined for an attempt to win a third title. He suffered a surprise first round defeat when he was caught before the line by Crostys Bell but he still qualified for the next round by virtue of finishing second. Trainer Tom Lynch had other entries in the competition and two dead heated in the first round, they were Imperial Toast and Dancing Jester. Makra Bibs who had defeated Spanish Battleship in the Tostal Cup earlier in the year was the fastest heat winner in 29.68.[3] Due to there being only 36 greyhounds in the event this year there was a rest before the semi-finals got underway and Lynch gave Spanish Battleship a trial.[4] In the semi-finals Spanish Battleship returned to winning form by beating Mile Bush Champion by three lengths but Makra Bibs failed to make the final. A very fast time of 29.53 from Crostys Bell was good enough to take the second semi-final from Sailaway Sailor and Dancing Jester completed the round after he beat Claremont John in the third heat.[4]

Harold's Cross stadium was overwhelmed by crowds attempting to see Spanish Battleship and they backed him into favourite at 5-4 with Crostys Bell drifting in the market at 7-4. Spanish Battleship was first away from the traps again and stretched to a three length victory from Crostys Bell to cement his place into the record books. [4]

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See also

References
  1. Genders, Roy (1990). NGRC book of Greyhound Racing. Pelham Books Ltd. p. 261. ISBN 0-7207-1804-X.
  2. Comyn, John. 50 Years of Greyhound Racing in Ireland. Aherlow Publishers Ltd.
  3. Fortune, Michael. Irish Greyhound Derby 1932–1981. Victory Irish Promotions Ltd.
  4. Fortune, Michael. The 75 Years History of the Irish Greyhound Derby. Irish Greyhound Review. ISSN 0709-0609.
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