Some picture failed to make greyhound racing history on Saturday night at Shelbourne Park, when, hoping to record the Triple Crown by adding the Irish Derby to the Scottish and English versions already won, he got into a tangle with Spiral Nikita at the first bend and eventually finished last.
The Ireland On Sunday-sponsored classic was won by the aptly named Toms The Best (4 to 1) who caught the long-time leader Vintage Prince (9 to 4) near the winning line to win by a length.
Toms The Best, handled by Nikki Savva, was the first British-trained runner to win the Irish Derby since Sole Aim in 1971. Some Picture now retires and looks forward to a comfortable time at stud after all his exertions.
Toms The Best certainly saved his best for the right night when scooping the £50,000 prize. The Eddie Shotton-owned June '95 black was scoring his first win in Ireland's premier classic.
Joint favourite Vintage Prince took the lead from the winner at the opening turn and they battled to the line with Toms The Best finishing stronger to win in a time of 30.09 seconds, the second fastest time recorded for the Derby. Nothing else really got in a blow as Right To Reply outgunned Jokers Run for third place, a total of 3 1/2 lengths behind the winner.
Some Picture had been on a bonus of £100,000 for a Triple Crown clinching victory.
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