Rachel Holland's Derby blog - 12 June 2025

Rachel Holland's Derby Blog - June 12, 2025

Last week couldn’t have gone much better for the kennel – three Derby finalists and an Oaks finalist at Shelbourne Park. 

Heading into the semis, we’d have been delighted to get just one through, so to end up with three in the final is an incredible achievement and a testament to the dogs themselves. It’s all set to be a brilliant day of entertainment and a fantastic night of racing at Towcester. The Derby undercard is packed with quality and the atmosphere should be great. Here’s a closer look at our three finalists: 

Bombay Pat – Trap 4 in the Final 

We thought Mars ran exceptionally well last week, especially considering he stumbled slightly at the start. Going down the back straight we weren’t sure if he’d qualify, but he stayed on powerfully to book his spot in the final. He’s come out of the race in great form and is working well at home. He’s been made the outsider of the final, which takes a bit of pressure off – but we shouldn’t underestimate him. He’s got a nice draw in trap 4 and if he breaks, he’s as good as anything in the race. 

Cheap Sandwiches – Trap 5 in the Final 

Sambo was superb again last week, running a huge race in defeat. He’s the model of consistency – clocking within 10 spots of his time in every round – and a real pleasure to train. He’s the most laid-back and composed of our three and should cope well with the crowd and occasion of Derby final night. We’re happy enough with his draw in trap 5. Some thought he’d edge wide last week in trap 5, but he showed how clever he is by running straight and navigating the race smartly, to be a very good second to Bockos Diamond.

Bockos Diamond – Trap 6 in the Final 

We were thrilled with Wildcat last week. He broke on level terms – which he needed to – and really put some of the critics' doubts to bed. He’s shown massive determination and race sense throughout the Derby – qualities that maybe weren’t as obvious in Ireland where he was often making all. His draw in trap 6 is ideal and if he comes away well, we know just how dangerous he can be. 

Supporting Card Runners 

We’re also absolutely delighted to have three runners on the supporting card: 

• Faypoint Harvey – Goes in the Jimmy Wright Memorial Stakes. He’s well drawn and if he breaks like we know he can, he has a good chance. 

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• Faypoint Susie – Runs in the Veterans race. She did us proud in the early rounds of the Derby, and we’d love to see her run a big one here. Cooliogold looks the main danger in the race. 

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• Val Tashadelek – is drawn trap 1 in the Star.Pelaw.com Trophy, which is ideal. It’s a good race, but he’s got the draw to be competitive if he comes away well. 

Looking Ahead to a Brilliant Final 

This year’s final is shaping up to be a fantastic race. It’s such a strong Derby final and you can genuinely make a case for every dog in the line-up. De Lahdedah making back-to-back finals is an amazing achievement – a real champion. It’s also special for us, having trained and now standing his sire, Lenson Bocko, at stud. Sole Mio in Trap 2, is not even two years old yet, but has done everything right for his connections throughout the competition and Droopys Plunge, the sole UK-trained runner, is ideally drawn in trap 1 and finishes very strongly – he’ll be a major player too. 

We’re incredibly proud to have three runners in the final. It’ll be a busy weekend with runners at both Towcester and Shelbourne, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. A huge thank you to our team in Ireland and the UK – none of this would be possible without their dedication and hard work. 

The final is set to be a cracker and whoever comes out on top will have earned their place in Derby immortality. The very best of luck to all connections and above all else, may all the dogs come off safe and sound.