The 1939 Irish Greyhound Derby took place during July with the final being held at Markets Field Greyhound Stadium in Limerick on 15 July. It was the first time that the race had been held outside Dublin.
The winner Marchin' Thro' Georgia won £225 and was owned by the Dorans.
Final result At Limerick, 15 July(over 525 yards): +PositionName of GreyhoundBreedingTrapSPTimeTrainerNotes1st Marchin' Thro' Georgia Church Parade - Stonepark 5 1-1f30.05J J Doran (Roscommon)Track Record2nd Irish Rambler Culrain - Little Eva 1 7-4 30.08Lonergan (Limerick)3rdLombardstown Brother Bella's Brother - Ballyneety Lady 3 8-1 30.16Carroll (Limerick)4th Reel Rasper breeding unknown 6 7-1 Carrick-on-Suir5thMidnight Bell breeding unknown 210-1 GalwayN/RPretty Forethought Royal Tom - Pretty Bird 4 Larkin (Cork)
Distances 8, ½ (lengths)
Competition Report Master Eamonn recorded a new track record of 30.15 secs in the second round beating the previous best of 30.17 set by a previous Derby finalist Brave Leader in 1939. Marchin' Thro' Georgia then clocked 30.18 when beating Irish Rambler by less than one length. In the first semi-final Marchin' Thro' Georgia beat Lombardstown Brother by four lengths in a time 30.22. In the second semi hot favourite Master Eamonn was eliminated when Irish Rambler beat Midnight Bill by five lengths in another new track record time of 30.10. The third and final race went to Reel Rasper half a length ahead of Pretty Forethought in 30.42.
In the final Marchin' Thro' Georgia impressed leading throughout and setting another track record of 30.05 with Irish Rambler only a neck behind in a time which would also have been a track record if not for the winner.
See also 1939 UK & Ireland Greyhound Racing Year
References