BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby 2025 Officially Launched at Shelbourne Park

Ireland’s largest independent bookmaker, BoyleSports, today launched the 2025 Irish Greyhound Derby at Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium.

Prestigious event returns to traditional calendar slot. 

All roads lead to Shelbourne Park this August as the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby returns to its traditional calendar slot, following a one-year adjustment in 2024 to facilitate a landmark €5 million refurbishment of the stadium.

That ambitious redevelopment has already earned high praise, with Shelbourne Park proudly receiving two honours at the 2025 Irish Construction Excellence Awards.

The launch of this year’s Derby took place on Monday at the newly enhanced Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium, with Vlad Kaltenieks, CEO of BoyleSports, and Tim Lucey, CEO of Greyhound Racing Ireland, officially starting the countdown to Ireland’s most prestigious greyhound event.

With an impressive €125,000 first prize, the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby remains the highlight of the Irish Greyhound racing calendar. The 2025 renewal promises six weeks of top-tier racing, with top contenders and capacity crowds expected at the newly upgraded venue.

This year’s entrants will be hoping to etch their name into the illustrious history of the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby by emulating last year’s flawless winner, Bockos Diamond.

“BoyleSports is incredibly proud to continue its relationship with one of the biggest and most prestigious events in the sport. It’s a highlight of the racing calendar that captures the imagination of greyhound fans across the country and beyond, so we’re looking forward to another thrilling competition at Shelbourne Park.”

“We are thrilled to welcome the Derby back to its original place in the racing calendar. The decision to shift the date last year allowed for vital enhancements to Shelbourne Park, creating a world-class venue that has now been nationally recognised for excellence in construction and design.” He continued, "I also want to extend our sincere thanks to BoyleSports, and in particular to John Boyle, for their continued and passionate support of Irish greyhound racing. Their long-standing partnership and unwavering commitment have helped elevate this event to world-class standards and ensure the ongoing success and sustainability of our sport.”

Prior to the Derby, fans will be treated to the final of BoyleSports Champion Stakes on the 5th of July, setting the stage for the thrilling calendar of racing to follow.

The final of the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby will be broadcast live on Virgin Media, showcasing one of Irish sport’s most exciting nights to viewers across the country.

Key Dates – BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby 2025: 

Trap Draw (1st Round Heats): Monday, 18th August at 12 PM, Oaks Suite, Shelbourne Park

1st Round Heats: Friday 22nd & Saturday 23rd August

2nd Round Heats: Friday 29th &  Saturday 30th August

3rd Round Heats: Saturday 6th  September

Quarter-Finals: Saturday 13th September

Semi-Finals: Saturday 20th September

Final:  Saturday 27th September

Fans can look forward to an unforgettable six weeks of racing in a modernised stadium that honours the sport’s rich tradition while offering best-in-class facilities. The BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby 2025 promises to be a celebration of greyhound racing at its finest.

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