Star Sports’ English Derby Featured in Irish Greyhound Review

Droopys Plunge’s victory in the 2025 Star Sports/TRC English Greyhound Derby has been honoured in the 48th annual Irish Greyhound Review, with a two-page feature celebrating both the dog’s brilliant success and Star Sports’ long-running sponsorship of the world’s greatest greyhound race.

The 48th annual edition of the Irish Greyhound Review also looks back on all the big winners this year across Ireland and the UK.

The feature looks back on a sensational night at Towcester as Droopys Plunge, the sole English-trained runner in a final packed with Irish stars, powered up the run-in from trap one to land the £175,000 first prize and become Star Sports’ ninth English Greyhound Derby champion.

It also charts our journey with the Derby since 2017, when Star Sports first came on board as sponsor in the wake of Wimbledon’s closure, and how the sponsorship has followed the Classic through its moves to Towcester, then Nottingham and back again under Kevin Boothby’s stewardship.

Ben Keith, owner of Star Sports, said: “To be involved with the English Greyhound Derby is the fulfilment of a lifelong ambition. I grew up loving this race, and to help support it through some challenging times is something I’m incredibly proud of. I know my mentor Tony Morris would be very proud too.”

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The article also highlights the role of trainer Patrick Janssens and his team at Thetford, who enjoyed an unforgettable Derby night with six winners on the card – headed, of course, by Droopys Plunge in the big one.

Representing the Three Tall Men syndicate – Roy Ball, Trevor Pearson and Tony Stubbs – Droopys Plunge showed all his trademark determination to fend off Irish Derby hero Bockos Diamond and reigning Towcester champion De Lahdedah in a thriller that will live long in the memory.

Janssens reflected: “He’s a wonderful, gutsy dog with a big heart. To win the Derby with him on a night when the whole kennel was flying was something very special for all of us.”

 

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Star Sports/TRC English Greyhound Derby – Our Roll of Honour 🏆

Droopys Plunge joins an outstanding list of Star Sports/TRC English Greyhound Derby winners:

• 2017 – Astute Missile
• 2018 – Dorotas Wildcat
• 2019 – Priceless Blake
• 2020 – Deerjet Sydney
• 2021 – Thorn Falcon
• 2022 – Romeo Magico
• 2023 – Gaytime Nemo
• 2024 – De Lahdedah
• 2025 – Droopys Plunge

Each has their own story and their own place in modern greyhound racing history – and we’re proud that the Star Sports name has been on the Derby throughout this golden era.

Keep an eye on our channels and the Towcester Racecourse website for news, dates and ticket information for upcoming runnings of the Star Sports/TRC English Greyhound Derby.

⭐ STARSPORTS.BET GREYHOUND BETTING ⭐

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