The half share of the black dog had been given to the prince by Patsy Byrne during a charity meeting at Canterbury; all prize money would go to the Royal Marines Benevolent Fund.
[8] John McGee's main hope Aghadown Timmy set the fastest qualifying heat win in 28.56 sec whilst Ger McKenna had two first round winners in Itsallovernow and Beau Ami.
[8] During the second round the ante-post favourite Aghadown Timmy went out after finishing lame whilst Westmead Lodge from the Savva kennels recorded a speedy 28.77.
Prince Edward watched Druids Johno win his semifinal at odds on from outsiders Burnt Oak Champ and Slippy Blue before the second decider ended with Galtymore Lad beating Fires of War and Fair Hill Boy.
[8] Patsy Byrne now a trainer in his own right after having previous finalists Easy Prince and Stouke Whisper as an owner had brought Irishman Pa Fitzgerald to run his kennel and the pair trained Druids Johno, the odds on favourite for the Derby final.