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Loyal Honcho was the star on a glittering night at Wimbeldon

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Jonathan Hobbs reflects on the Derby aftermath and the dogs to follow from a grand night at Wimbledon

Loyal Honcho raised the roof for his legion of fans at Wimbledon on Saturday night as the dog, who had run such a brilliant race last year behind Westmead Lord, returned to gloriously go one better - and realise a long-held dream of Irish trainer Seamus Graham to win the English Derby.

It was the result the neutrals most wanted. One near-miss followed another and the three-year-old was almost willed out of the traps by a crowd which reached fever pitch at the lids opened for one of the noisy Derby finals in years. Lesser greyhounds would have flinched at the sheer razzmatazz of it all, but Loyal Honcho held firm.

So after six rounds, and some 54 races, the Derby went back to Ireland after three years of British-bred success with the Westmeads, Hawk and Lord.

The toughest of all competitions, by its very nature no greyhound can be expected to attain such heights again. at least not for a while. And while it would probably be asking too much of Loyal Honcho to go and win an Irish Derby, he did become stronger as the event unfolded.

In terms of hard luck stories, there were none when it comes to the actual winner, who out-trapped his rivals and led them into the turn. But there is no question that Tyrur Kieran and Blonde Dino ran stormers in second and third respectively, the latter especially when it comes to the upcoming weeks and months on British tracks.

The supporting card was pure gold. From Toosey's Blue's brilliant consolation final win to Kilkenny Lonjack's rapid and runaway win the closing invitation.

But in terms of picking out future winners - and Analyse did this column a favour in winning the six bends hurdles event, likewise Scintillas Ruby in the bitches' stake - the names of Wise Thought (obvious, but true!), Ballymac Weeshie and Kilkenny Lonjack were the three most impressive-to-the-eye performances, and each can dominate their sphere forthwith.

Those can might just have dipped under the radar include Droopys Marcus. Ultimately he finished fifth in the puppy race, as red-hot a youngsters' event has you will see this year, but paced up into the turn and was probably just half-a-length away from going round in front. Easier opportunities will be lapped up.

His trainer Seamus Cahill, likely to be on the move this week or next following the news that Walthamstow is due to close in August, will have also been heartened by Droopys Mate's run against Scintillas Ruby.

She was definitely a touch unlucky and ran on strongly to be well clear of the admittedly tiring winner just after the line and perhaps a return to six bends in due course will be vindicated, although she might just be a Sussex Cup type.

Bubbly Totti and Seanis Lad both caught the eye behind Toosey Blue in the Consolation, the former's power-packed finish looking set to be followed by a step back up in distance, while Seanis Lad was arguably the most consistent front runner in the entire Derby and should continue to pay his way.

Swift Jade was simply brilliant in the Dorando and her clash with Flying Winner in the upcoming TV Trophy at Doncaster is eagery awaited.