Despite being as low as 10/1 in the Ante-Post betting market, only four of the 189 competitors in our ICC website Tipster Competition went for ‘Rumour Has It’ to win the BoyleSports Derby. 25 participants included Oaks winner ‘Ballymac Enya’ in their selection, Champion Bitch, ‘Blades Of Honour’, (in photo) was chosen by 38% of the total entry (71 selections) but Champion Dog, Ahamore Wonder, had just four votes with his first round opponent Watchman receiving the lions share.
Similar to last year no one managed to tip more than two winners although Darragh Sheehan (Tralee), John Kennedy (Newcastlewest) & Liam Liddy (Ballysimon) came very close to making it three as they had Huntingtown with Ballymac Enya/Blades Of Honour. However the current rules of the competition don’t allow points for runners-up although it is something we might look at doing for next year.
Therefore we have 16 people tied on 40 points. The aforementioned trio plus Conor O’Neill (Clonakilty), Eddie Kelly (Templetuohy), Gerard Flynn (Belfast), Jay Codd (Enniscorthy), Joe Collins (Abbeyfeale), John Grace (Shannon), Margaret Barrett (Fethard), Martin Ryan (Thurles), Mary Wilson (Johnstown), Mats Wicander (Sweden), Noel Hehir (Ennis), Pat Sutton (Kildare) and Tom Nolan (Abbeyfeale).
We have decided to make the draw for our winner during the first interval on the final day of the Irish Cup meeting, at Berkie Browne’s board. All are welcome to observe.
The winner will have a choice of two tickets to the ICC Awards on April 13 including overnight Hotel accommodation or a 12-month subscription to the Sporting Press.
- 25 points were awarded for picking the winner of the Derby or Oaks and 15 points for picking the winner of the Champion Stakes or Champion Bitch Stakes.