The 1969 English Greyhound Derby winner Sand Star was the leading entry for the Irish Derby in 1969. The black and white dog was quickly installed as ante post favourite with McAlinden Cup winner Johnnys Dream, Trigo Cup winner Bill of Sale and It's A Mint next in line in the betting.[5] In the first round, both Sand Star and It's A Mint both failed to progress. Rich Tea went fastest in 29.25 and there were good wins for Kilbelin Grand and English star Discretions.[6]
The second round resulted in wins for Own Pride, Camira Prince and Quakerfield King but Johnnys Dream was eliminated.[6]
In the semi-finals a battle between Own Pride and Finolas Yarn for the second time in the competition saw both qualify for the final followed by Colonel Flash and Quakerfield King booking their spots in the second semi-final. The final heat went to the Tom Lynch trained Monalee Gambler from Kilbelin Grand.[6]
The final line up contained two stand-out runners in Own Pride and Finolas Yarn but instead of a third head to head battle between the pair it was Monalee Gambler who broke well and went into the lead. Own Pride pulled him back by the third bend, going on to win by two and a half lengths. Kilbelin Grand died shortly after the race from heart failure.[6]
