While still staged at its spiritual home of Wimbledon, the English Greyhound Derby saw some of the most enthralling races in its history between the years of 2000 and 2009. Although White City will always have a special place in the hearts of dog racing fans around the globe, the Derby was moved to Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium in 1985 and definitely thrived in Southwest London. This area is also well known for its high roller online casinos.
The Charlie Lister trained Rapid Ranger is the greyhound who was the first to add his name to the English Derby Trophy in the new Millennium, thanks to his bloodless victory in the year 2000. The 7/4 jolly landed the spoils in a time of 28.71s, seeing off Patsy Byrne’s Rackethall Jet as well as the Linda Jones inmate Greenfield Deal, who were second and third respectively. Amazingly enough, Rapid Ranger was able to repeat the feat the following year at the same odds in the exact same time! Back to back winners are particularly unusual in a greyhound competition with such depth, but it just goes to show what a talented animal Rapid Ranger was.
Allen Gift, Farloe Verdict and Droopys Scholes were the next three successful entrants, prior to the legend that is Westmead Hawk. Even the very best South African online casino would have been weary about pricing up Westmead prior to the 2005 final. Nick Savva’s charge had been in fine fettle throughout the heats and once main rival Droopys Marco was eliminated at the semi final stage, the way was clear for Westmead Hawk to storm to victory in the showpiece. this greyhound ultimately achieved back to back successes in the Greyhound Derby, and was installed at even more prohibitive odds in 2006.
Nick Savva amazingly claimed three Derby titles in a row. This was thanks to Westmead Lord taking the 2007 Blue Square sponsored event. The Lord was one of the outsiders going into the final at odds of 6/1, but was able to belittle his price and emulate his half-brother Westmead Hawk. The biggest shock of the noughties came in 2009, when the all-conquering Mark Wallis was successful with 25/1 shot Kinda Ready.
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