[4] The Daily Mirror sponsored the Derby for the eighth consecutive year and Ireland's top trainer Ger McKenna sent the leading contenders headed by Attractive Son, Lartigue Note and ante-post favourite Lodge Dancer.
Galtymore Lad and defending champion Hit the Lid both went out in round one after encountering interference; in addition leading hopes Arrow House and Fergus Bramley both finished lame.
[5] Lartigue Note won in a fast 28.50 in round two to remain unbeaten but Ard Knock and Wendys Dream were two high-profile casualties.
[5] By the semi-final stage Lartigue Note was clear favourite but failed to win the messy race losing out to Catsrock Rocket who held off the slow starting Irish hound.
In the second semi Kilcannon Bullet won easily from Early Vocation and Cooladine Super who had caught the fading Terminator for third place.