The Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby prize fund is to be boosted this year to €300,000, making it one of the richest prizes in the world of greyhound racing.
This is the fifth year of sponsorship from the Dundalk based Boylesports who also sponsor the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse.
The Greyhound Derby deal at Shelbourne Park is now at the midpoint of a €1 Million three year deal and produced memorable nights last year when the sport was most in need after a long-term shutdown in Dublin in a dispute over the sale of Harolds Cross.
A new CEO in Gerard Dollard and a new strategic plan have steadied the ship and the sport can look forward with confidence again.
There has always been a strong connection between GAA Counties and Clubs with Greyhound Racing and it is the scene of many local fundraisers.
Little surprise then that Dublin GAA star Denis Bastick was on hand to launch this year’s race which gets underway on August 17th and will run through to the semi-finals and final televised live on RTÉ on Saturday, September 15th and the 22nd.
“GAA fans attending championship games can cheer on their county’s top dog as the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby will showcase Ireland’s fastest greyhounds from every corner of the country,” said Bastick. “I look forward to an exciting six weeks of top class racing at Shelbourne Park.”
The move of the GAA All Ireland Hurling and Football Finals to mid-August and the first Sunday in September this year will leave the way clearer for the race to secure more publicity in the run-up.
It will take place the same weekend as the start of the new Dublin SportsFest which will be launching in early September.
“This is our fifth year sponsoring the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby and we’re delighted to be involved again in such an iconic race,” added Leon Blanche of BoyleSports.
“It is fantastic to see the overall prize fund increase to €300,000 with a greater emphasis on rewarding all competitors. As a company, we pride ourselves on our continued commitment to Irish sport and we’re looking forward with vigour to what is certain to be another very competitive renewal.”
Good News claimed the Derby title last year for co-owners Sandra Guilfoyle and Mary Kennedy, also pictured above, in a record time of 29.37 over the 550 yards. The top dog’s astonishing speed equalled over €5,000 per racing second before a packed crowd in Dublin’s Shelbourne Park. ‘A dream come true for me and my family,’ is how Sandra Guilfoyle described winning the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby in September 2017.
“We have seen some of the world’s best greyhound racing at Ireland’s premiere track – Shelbourne Park for over 90 years,” said Irish Greyhound Board Chairman Phil Meany.
“The BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby is viewed by a global audience each year and I want to thank BoyleSports for their continued support. The prize money increase will create a more attractive package and will result in a better distribution for all within the racing community.”
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Image Credit Conor Healy Picture It Photography
