The Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby gets underway this Friday with 132 entries racing for total prize money this year of €300,000.
That number of entries is ten per cent ahead of the target set and has been attributed to a greater number on incentives and a wider spread of the prize money on offer.
“Previously we would have received around 120 entries,” said Shelbourne Park Racing Manager derek Frehill.
“This year, the bonuses have created a greater interest from smaller owners to enter the Derby. This is the first time that prize money is concentrated on the heat winners, with €2,000 going to the winners of the semi-finals.”
“The total jackpot will see a greater distribution as unplaced finalists including semi and quarters will receive a significant increase.”
“Payments will be staggered for heat winners with larger rewards for greyhounds winning later rounds, particularly quarter and semi-finals. A number of new incentives have also been introduced including a €2,000 prize for the last syndicate owned greyhound to remain in the competition.
In 2017 BoyleSports, Ireland’s largest independent bookmaker signed a three sponsorship deal with the Irish Greyhound Board which will deliver €1 million in prize money to greyhound owners, breeders and trainers.
The action begins on Friday 17 August in Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium in Dublin. The Final will take place on Saturday 22 September 2018. Both the Semi-Final and Final will be broadcast live on RTÉ 2 and online to a worldwide audience on RTÉ website and RTÉ Player.
Hurling fans traveling to Dublin for Sunday’s All Ireland Final can get a 50 percent discount on admission by wearing their Limerick or Galway jerseys to Shelbourne Park on Saturday night.
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