Coverage of the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby at Shelbourne Park in Dublin will return to national television next week.
The Quarter Final (8-9pm, August 19th), Semi Final (9-10pm, August 26th) and Final (9-10pm, September 2nd) of the most prestigious greyhound racing competition in the country will be broadcast live from Ireland’s premier greyhound stadium on Virgin Media Three and will once again be hosted by Ivan Yates.
“The development and growth of our sport continues on and off the track, and we are all delighted to welcome Virgin Media Television back to Shelbourne Park,” commented Frank Nyhan, Chair of Rásaíocht Con Éireann.
“For the greyhound community and the wider public, final night at Shelbourne Park in September is an iconic fixture.”
“Once again, there will be an electric atmosphere as crowds gather to watch who will succeed last year’s winner, Born Warrior, in claiming the title. Winning this Classic is the pinnacle of any trainer or owner’s career, and it is the one title that everyone in our sport aspires to win.”
“We have received a huge field of entries to this year’s Derby following what was one of the most exciting classic events in many years in 2022,” added Interim RCÉ CEO John Tuohey.
“We very much look forward to showcasing one of the most popular racing classics in international greyhound racing to a national audience here in Ireland and worldwide through RPGTV.”
The prize money for this year’s showcase event on the greyhound calendar has been increased from €266,300 to €300,000, representing a rise of 13% on 2022.
“The change to the prizemoney structure involves an increased spread from the overall runner-up right down to unplaced second round entrants,” explained Tuohey.
“There will be an overall greater spread of prize money making the Derby an even more attractive proposition for trainers and owners right across the country.”
Round 1 of Irish greyhound racing’s flagship event commenced on July 28th and 29th, with Rounds 2 and 3 took place on August 4th/5th and August 12th respectively.
The Quarter Finals and semi-finals will be held on August 19th and August 26th respectively, followed by the final on Saturday, September 2nd.
