1957 Irish Greyhound Derby


The 1957 Irish Greyhound Derby took place during July and August with the final being held at Harold's Cross Stadium in Dublin on 9 August 1957.
The winner Hopeful Cutlet won £500 and was trained by Jack Mullan and owned by Rostrevor veterinary surgeon Chris Farrelly.

Final result

At Harold's Cross, 9 August :
PositionName of GreyhoundBreedingTrapSPTimeTrainer
1stHopeful CutletImperial Dancer - Katie the Duck67-229.60Jack Mullan
2ndThe Grand FireThe Grand Champion - Quare Fire230.02Paddy Dunphy
3rdCountry Boy unknown430.38
unplacedTullaherin Twinkleunknown5
unplacedRomola's DanteOllys Pal - Im Yours1Doyle
unplacedHowardstown Rangerunknown3J Garfinkle

Distances

5¼, 4½

Competition Report

The ante-post favourite was Solar Prince who had arrived for the Derby after winning the Callanan Cup final where he beat Romola's Dante by six lengths. He duly won his first round heat in the fastest first round time of 29.47. However he was withdrawn before the second round and later that evening Noisy Sam set a new track record of 29.41. The other second round winners were Hopeful Cutlet, Bugatti and Red Riot.
In the first semi-final The Grand Fire sealed an easy win at odds of 4-9 in 29.58, but bruised a leg in running. The second semi-final resulted in Hopeful Cutlet beating Tullaherin Twinkle but favourite Noisy Sam stumbled badly and failed to get through to the final.
In the final Hopeful Cutlet vied with Tullaherin Twinkle before taking a decisive lead and winning by three lengths. The Grand Fire was slow away and found trouble before running on well for second place.