The brindle dog arrived in the United Kingdom during February 1949 and was placed in the Hook Estate and Kennels training out of White City.
Nicholl switched trainers and put him with Stan Martin at Wimbledon Stadium which proved to be a wise decision because Ballymac Ball was an instant hit at the track.
[5] [3] The main target for 1950 was the 1950 English Greyhound Derby but before this he won the 16th International (January), the Wimbledon Spring Cup (March) and reached the Wood Lane Stakes final (April) where he lost to his great rival Red Wind.
[4] When the 1950 Derby got underway Ballymac Ball had won 19 races from 23 starts for Stan Martin and was a leading contender but the ante post favourite was his rival Red Wind.
He finished second in his semi final on 17 June behind Ballycurren Garrett and a race in which Red Wind was eliminated.