Key points:
- The 2025 BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby will return to its traditional August slot at the newly renovated Shelbourne Park
- The Derby features a €125,000 top prize and will run over six weeks, concluding on 27 September
The BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby 2025 has officially been launched at Shelbourne Park, marking a celebrated return to its traditional August calendar slot.
This year’s event follows a one-year scheduling adjustment in 2024, which allowed for the completion of a €5m ($5.7m) redevelopment of the stadium.
The launch was attended by Vlad Kaltenieks, CEO of BoyleSports, and Tim Lucey, CEO of Greyhound Racing Ireland, who jointly underscored the significance of the Derby in Ireland’s racing calendar.
With a €125,000 top prize, the six-week competition marks a key greyhound racing event in the country, and this year’s edition is once again set to attract elite racing talent and large crowds.
Good to know: The final, scheduled for 27 September, will be broadcast live on Virgin Media
Commenting on the development, Vlad Kaltenieks stated: “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.”
Tim Lucey added: “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.”
"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.”
This latest greyhound racing sponsorship adds to BoyleSports' expanding portfolio of racing partnerships.
In March 2025, the operator secured a three-year deal to become the title sponsor of the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury Racecourse, marking its first Group 1 Flat race sponsorship in Britain.
