Gaytime Nemo (a black dog) was owned and bred by Brendan O'Connell from Cork and won the first prize of £175,000.
[4] Another major contender would be the defending champion Romeo Magico, while Brookside Richie, Warzone Tom, Savana Beau and Lautaro were expected to go well despite big prices.
The first round provided a series of unusual statistics, the first being the fact that with no reserves for the event there were no less than 18 vacant traps and a processional three dog heat and a no race.
Ten greyhounds dipped under 29 seconds and the best times behind Clona Duke were Ballymac Marino (28.76) and Brookside Richie (28.84).
Another five greyhounds remained undefeated, with Faypoint Susie, Clona Duke, Savana Beau, Cochise, Ballymac Marino all recording race wins.
Mystical Mario was a shock winner in heat 2, winning for the first time in the competition as he held off Clona Duke and Cochise.
Holland then steered a fourth qualifier through, as the competition favourite Swords Rex eased home in 28.93 ahead of Romeo Top Gun and Ballymac Finn.