The best dogs in the UK and Europe were welcomed to Plough Lane last Thursday, Friday and Saturday to open this year’s Greyhound Derby.

After an awesome display of early pace and electric middle, Fear Zafonic rocketed to the top of the 207 dogs in the ante post betting and was swiftly joined by kennelmate Bandicoot Tipoki whose track craft and round one brilliance left the sponsors unable to split the pair. William Hill now offer 10-1 the field.

As always, contention is strong from the Emerald Isle with Barefoot Bullet, Mesedo Blue and Oran Legend all producing crowd pleasing performances over the three nights.

Glenard Sunrise who was in the final last year is showed a good solid performance and Give Me Some Luck who is seen as a bit of an outsider impressed the crowd with blistering early pace from the traps and is now certainly one to watch.

A bumper crowd was at the track on all three nights of the competition with a great festival atmosphere to get the Williamhill.com Greyhound Derby under way.

Keith Hallinan, General Manager of the track said: “We knew that we were in for a great start to the event by the strength of the entry.

"Putting on the additional Thursday meant there were three opportunities for racegoers to see the best Dogs in the country perform.

"We ae now gearing up for what is going to be another incredible weekend of racing action and we were delighted that our new Grandstand was so well received by both the racing faithful and those that came along to see the spectacle.”

David Hood, Director of Racing & Public Relations at William Hill added: “Already the competition is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling renewals of recent years.

"As the betting reflects, there were a number of elite performances from Round One that have left us unable to nominate a clear favourite.

“Round Two already promises to have some real fireworks, with a number of titantic clashes.

"We are certain everyone will either be watching online at williamhill.com, in a William Hill shop or down at the Don in person.”

So everyone can watch the action this weekend, Wimbledon Stadium is offering everyone the chance to come and see the competition unfold for only £1.

Full details and a downloadable voucher can be found at the Wimbledon page of www.lovethedogs.co.uk.

The current betting for the Williamhill.com Greyhound Derby:

10-1 Bandicoot Tipoki, Fear Zafonic, 12-1 Barefoot Bullet, Mesedo Blue, Nambisco, Toomaline Jack 16-1 Yahoo Jamie 20-1 Ten Large Down, Tullymurry Act 25-1 Forest Boss, 33-1 Bar (EW 1/4 1,2,3,4).

These prices are subject to fluctuation and a full list of runners can be found at www.williamhill.com