[5] The ante-post favourite Mile Bush Pride failed to win his first round heat for the second consecutive year.

However, despite encountering crowding he safely made it through to round two; the race was won by Irish entry Sir Frederick.

Three greyhounds broke 29 seconds in the first set of qualifiers; they were Crazy Parachute, Dunmore Rocco and the previous year's finalist Gentle Touch.

[6] The second round resulted in a fast win for Mile Bush Pride (28.57), a time that could not be matched by any greyhound left in the competition.

Early pace by Crazy Parachute saw him pass Dancing Sheik and then Snub Nose by the second bend.