Plans Fluid for Towcester Big Guns As Holland Launches Classic Campaign

GRAHAM HOLLAND, the County Tipperary-based Englishman who has twice won Towcester's English Greyhound Derby, began his preparation for an attack on this year's Classic with a three-pronged raid on the Northamptonshire circuit on Sunday.
His kennel emerged with one winner in Slippery Brian (28.65 sec, fastest of the day) and two seconds in Gaytime Joachim and Swords Style, with the latter in specific standing out on his first take a look at the circuit.
Holland, who has yet to settle his complete Towcester raiding party, stated of last month's Tote Gold Cup finalist: "He definitely flew out [3.75 sec sectional] and I believe if anything he captured the hare motorist out.
"He was three lengths clear entering into the bend however came out of it 2nd as he moved off towards the hare. He ran well enough after that behind the winner [Kevin Hutton's Rebel Alaska] and it was good to give them all a look round.
"I'm delighted that Towcester have brought the brand-new traps in. I've flagged that as an issue for several years now and it's excellent to see that things are being put right there by the brand-new management at the track.
"I was also pleased to see Towcester keep the competition this year under Mike Davis. I'm not persuaded that the new circuit developed at Dunstall Park is best for the Derby. You need a proper test and a track where early speed isn't whatever."
Having won back-to-back crowns with Romeo Magico in 2022 and Gaytime Nemo in 2023, Holland was once again well represented in last year's last won by Patrick Janssens' Droopys Plunge, with his 2024 Irish Derby hero Bockos Diamond completing 2nd, subsequent 2025 Shelbourne champion Cheap Sandwiches running fourth and Bombay Pat also reaching the decider.
The latter is presently recuperating from a major injury which demanded an operation and plate placed, however Holland described himself as "enthusiastic" that his two Shelbourne super stars might yet make a return for another fracture at the English crown.
"They've both had problems, however we're working away at home and I'm happy with how they're going," he stated. "I couldn't say for specific today that they'll be coming by but if things continue to then we've got a chance.
"Bombay Pat was lucky to be alive after his injury, but he's doing well after the operation and we'll most likely try him with a number of bitches when the time's right."
Sunday's runners travelled over with Holland's spouse Nicky and the team will when again be lodging at the kennels of Kent-based fitness instructor Jamie Kingsley for their Classic project.
Holland, who was at home supervising his kennel's weekend runners in Ireland that included a hat-trick of winners in the second round of Limerick's prominent Kirby memorial, said: "Nicky travelled over on her own with the pets and all went well in regards to the journey and settling in at Jamie's base.
"When it comes to the Kirby, the team ran well and we have actually some great canines in there. With regards to the Derby, if we're fortunate enough to get any through to the final at Limerick then there's no way they 'd be heading over.
"The Kirby is a tough competitors and only completes a number of weeks before the Derby starts. These are young pet dogs so you don't desire to over do it with them."
The start of the Star Sports & Orchestrate Greyhound Derby is now just one month away, with the first-round action set to be run over 3 consecutive nights, starting on Thursday, April 30, and runs through to the final on Saturday, June 6.