The 1952 Irish Greyhound Derby took place during July and August with the final being held at Shelbourne Park in Dublin on 9 August 1952.[1]
The winner Rough Waters was trained by Henry Lalor, owned Jimmy Lalor and bred by John Byrne. He was bought for 170 guineas by leading Irish bookmaker Jimmy Lalor for his wife Patricia at the Shelbourne Park sales in April 1951. Rough Waters had spent 1951 'flapping' (racing on the independent tracks) in Scotland before being aimed at the Irish Derby.[2]
Final result
At Shelbourne, 9 August (over 525 yards):
Position
Name of Greyhound
Breeding
Trap
SP
Time
Trainer
1st
Rough Waters
D X Rice - Just Push
2
5-2
29.95
Henry Lalor
2nd
Dismal
Shaggy Lad - Take Murex
29.98
Tom Lynch
3rd
Kilcurry Ranger
unknown
2-1f
30.06
Jack McAllister
unplaced
Titterington
unknown
1
3-1
unplaced
Call Dan
unknown
unplaced
Odile's Latch
Glenview Shaggy – Odilles Fancy
10-1
Distances
neck, 1 (lengths)
Competition Report
After winning two successive heats Rough Waters won the first semi-final from Titterington by one length in a time of 29.96. In the second semi-final Kilcurry Ranger defeated Call Dan by four lengths before Dismal beat Odile's Latch by four lengths in 30.07 to complete the semi-finals[3]
On 9 August it rained all day and before the final got underway there was a major gamble on Titterington from 8–1 to 3–1. As the traps opened Rough Waters was first out from trap 2 but was challenged by Call Dan around the second bend before drawing clear. Call Dan faded as Dismal and Kilcurry Ranger ran on to finish second and third respectively.[4]