[4] Trafalgar Cup champion Magourna Reject, owned by Mrs Frances Chandler and trained by Noreen Collin was the ante post favourite for the 1952 Derby, the blue brindle and white dog had never been out of the first three in his career to date.
[5] Three times Derby winning trainer Leslie Reynolds was represented by the defending champion Ballylanigan Tanist and a newcomer called Endless Gossip.
Ballylanigan Tanist also won in a fast time of 28.61 and Black Mire progressed after recovering from a recent injury but there was a shock elimination when Magourna Reject ran poorly.
The second semi-final provided a shock as Endless Gossip missed the break again and was badly impeded, only just qualifying in third place behind Dashboard Dan and Caseys Seal.
In the final Endless Gossip broke from the traps in third place behind Drumman Rambler and Shaggy Newshound but then took a commanding lead out of the second bend.