Blake aims to be best

Tonight will see the winner crowned as the final of the Boylesports.com Irish Greyhound Derby takes place at Shelbourne Park.

Tipperary-based trainer Michael O'Donovan's entrant Laughil Blake was fastest in his semi-final as he turned in another superb performance and now stands as the favourite for the decider.

But two veteran trackers Tyrur Sugar Ray (trained by Galway-based PJ Fahy) and Ballymac Vic (trained by Kerry trainer Liam Dowling) also qualified for final. This will be the third time that Ballymac Vic will race in the final six of an Irish Greyhound Derby.

Tonight will also provide a career highlight for Ballymacelligott breeder and trainer Liam Dowling as his two runners finished first and third to claim their place. Vulturi, owned by Spaniard Javier Jarne, took first spot and Ballymac Vic bagged the last of the slots available.

Owners have flown home from New York for the final. Tom and PJ Quinn have lived and worked in the Big Apple for the past three decades and flew home today to cheer on their greyhound, Emers Superstar.

They have stated that this is the best dog they have ever had and to them it is equivalent to winning the All-Ireland. The Irish Greyhound Derby final is live on RTÉ 2 at 7.50pm or on the RTÉ Player on www.rte.ie.