1951 Irish Greyhound Derby

A disappointing fact regarding the 1951 Derby was the reduction in prize money for the winner from £1,000 to just £500. The leading greyhound in Ireland at the time Champion Prince owned by Dan Maher was a notable absentee when the first round began.^[3] Trainer Tom Lynch steered three hounds through to the final; he had previously trained a runner-up in Down Signal and had been devastated at Imperial Dancer's exit the previous year. Lynch would later marry the sister of Gay McKenna.^[4]

The first semi-final was won by Locht Seal from Miss Gemnei and Carmodys Tanist in 29.85, despite the fact that Sterope had led by three lengths in the home straight before suffering cramp and finishing last. The second semi-final saw Daring Prince beat Noble Greason and Dooneen Miss in 29.84. In the final Carmodys Tanist led all the way holding off Locht Seal, the other four runners found trouble at the first bend and were never in contention.^[4]

Carmodys Tanist, a black dog, had been knocked out of the English Greyhound Derby in the second round when trained by Noreen Collin. His owner Mrs Frances Chandler then sent the greyhound to Dublin trainer Dickie Myles for the Irish Derby. At the presentation Frances was in Italy so her brother in law Ronnie Chandler accepted the trophy, Ronnie was the only member of the famous Chandler family to train greyhounds.^[4]

• 1951 UK & Ireland Greyhound Racing Year