Greyhound Racing has endured a torrid year but rallied over the weekend behind the idea that it’s place in the sporting arena remains an important one for rural Ireland and that critical measures to address the issues raised around animal welfare are being fully addressed.

Shelbourne Park was packed on Saturday night for the Final of the Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby.

There were a number of fundraising initiatives around the retired Greyhounds Trust, including proceeds form all admissions on the night and education stands around the stadium.

The race was won by favourite Lenson Bocko but in the tightest of finishes with a photograph needed to seperate the first three home.

In second was Boylesports King, owned by John Boyle of the race sponsors, deprived of the win by only a head.

The race attracted an initial entry up 13 percent on last year and had an overall prize fund of €300,000.

“The race was the culmination of a thrilling six weekends of action at Shelbourne Park, with thousands of spectators enjoying high quality racing,” said Irish Greyhound Board CEO Ger Dollard.

“Many of these availed of the stadium’s top class food and hospitality packages and Tote facilities. The whole event was a milestone for the sport and the whole occasion and atmosphere showcased what the sport has to offer across the country.”

The race was broadcast live on RTÉ 2 and is available to watch around the world on the RTÉ Player.

Minister of State for Food, Forestry & Horticulture, Andrew Doyle TD, was among a number of notable guests at the event.

In order to step up to concerns over the care of greyhounds involved in racing the Irish Greyhound Board announced last month that 50 percent of the funds raised through sponsorship over the course of a year would be ringfenced towards a specific ‘care fund’ assisting with meaures from re-homing to research.

Saturday was a special night for the Fortune family being the first running of the event to take place since the death of commentator and journalist Michael over the summer.  His son Ian took over commentasry duties at the track on Saturday night and the consolation race for those who just missed out on the Final was named in his Father’s memory.