Julie Collier Blog 13: Greyhound Derby 2022

Where did that night go? I think it was the fastest six hours of my life but what fantastic racing we had and no better so that the Derby final itself.

🐶 Romeo Magico was a deserved winner after Kildare led and, to be fair, they all got around the bend pretty clearly, Magico did so well to nip inside Kildare out of the second bend and go on to land the £175,000 prize for Dave and Nicola Firmager (breeders and owners) and Graham and Nicky Holland who finally managed to land the title at their sixth attempt.

🐶 For Dave Firmager, it meant the world to be celebrating the culmination of 35 years of British breeding with his children and grandchildren. It was his grandchildren who named the dog Badger and they enjoyed every minute of it with their Grandad and supplied Badger himself with endless, well deserved, kisses and cuddles.

🐶 Graham Holland was over for the Derby for the first time this year, it’s his wife Nicky who has been doing all the travelling with their daughter Rachel. Nicky has always told me that it’s their son, Timmy, who looks after Badger at home and, it was when talking to me about Rachel and Timmy that Graham became quite emotional, both before and after the race, such is the scale of the Holland-family dedication. Rachel and Tommy are that much older than previous years the Holland’s have been in finals and much of the credit for the success that comes Graham’s way certainly goes to his children. My goodness, I’ve never seen anyone as calm winning a Derby as Rachel was in the middle of the track as Magico crossed the line! Afterwards she simply said ‘I had no need to be nervous’. Jusge.

🐶 The Mickys Barrett gang have been such a big part of this years Derby and their actions epitomised sportsmanship when, as Romeo Magico was at the presentation, they all made their way over to the railings to sing ‘there’s only one Romeo.’ Their dog did them proud, breaking and finishing third. The syndicate and Jason have been great to deal with and I hope to see them at a track again one day.

🐶 My heart went out to Michael Cronin who was enthusiastically cheering on Kildare as he led up and round the first bend. But it wasn’t to be and that excitement quickly turned to disappointment as Kildare couldn’t reel back Romeo Magico when he had passed. Mickey and the four other owners all walked (or stumbled) away from Towcester walk off the track really emotional and its impossible to know what to say at that time. But I know Peter will be back again and again until he gets that win. And its doesn’t matter how many time you try, it’s about getting there in the end. Just look at the Holland family.

🐶 It’s been a rollercoaster of a Derby and now it’s all over for another year. Thank you so much to everyone who has helped to make RPGTV and Star Sports coverage the best it could be, with special thanks to the Derby finalists who have done what felt like endless interviews this week.

That’s a wrap from me. Until next year…

JULIE COLLIER

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