BOYLE Sports Champion Stakes Launched at Shelbourne Park

BOYLE Sports has officially launched the 2026 Champion Stakes at Shelbourne Park, reinforcing its commitment to Irish greyhound racing at Ireland’s most prestigious greyhound racing track.

The Champion Stakes is run over 550 yards and consistently attracts some of the biggest names in the sport. Widely regarded as the perfect entrée to the BOYLE Sports Irish Greyhound Derby, the competition offers connections an early opportunity to lay down a marker ahead of the sport’s showpiece event.

This year’s renewal is set to get underway on Friday, June 26 ^th, with the final scheduled for Saturday, July 4 ^th , won last year by the Jennifer O’Donnell-trained Seven Beach. A top prize of €20,000 awaits the winner, ensuring another fiercely competitive edition of the popular contest.

The launch event, which took place earlier this week at Shelbourne Park, brought together key figures from GRI and BOYLE Sports as anticipation begins to build for what promises to be a thrilling start to the Derby season.

“We’re incredibly proud to continue our partnership with Ireland’s premier greyhound racing events and the Champion Stakes is always a standout fixture on the calendar. Shelbourne Park provides the perfect stage for top-class racing, and this competition consistently delivers both quality and excitement.

“It’s a fantastic curtain-raiser to the BOYLE Sports Irish Greyhound Derby, and we’re looking forward to another thrilling edition as connections and fans alike begin to turn their attention to the sport’s biggest prize.”

“The BOYLE Sports Champion Stakes always attracts some of the top names in Greyhound Racing each year, with the two-run event a popular warm-up to the Derby in Shelbourne Park. Our Racing Office are now accepting entries for the 18-dog event, and we look forward to seeing who is in the running this year.”

*Prices are subject to fluctuation.

Remember, Always Gamble Responsibly.