1958 Irish Greyhound Derby

A greyhound called Colonel Perry was owned by Larry Cribbin from Edenderry, and trained by his brother-in-law Jack Nallen. After reaching the final of the Easter Cup he was rested before the start of the 1958 Derby. In the opening round Colonel Perry recorded a 29.62 win, the fastest of the round and then he repeated the feat by winning his second round heat in a fastest of the round 29.55. The other second round winners were Dashing Miller (29.56), The Grand Duchess (29.64), Moorbrook Airmouse (29.79) and Lakefield Rambler (29.95).^[3]

After the second round the black dog was sold by Cribbin to Mrs Olive Tasker from Birmingham for £1,500.^[4] In the semi-finals Colonel Perry was beaten by Daring Customer in 29.59 but he held off Lunar Flight for second place and therefore securing a place on the final. The remaining semi-finals saw Moorbrook Airmouse defeat Knockavilla and The Grand Duchess beat Super Scope.^[4]

A stroke of luck led to Colonel Perry winning the final, when the traps opened he stumbled into Daring Customer who in turn moved into the path of the other runners. Colonel Perry then drew clear land held on for victory from the fast finishing Daring Customer.^[4]

1958 UK & Ireland Greyhound Racing Year