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 today at the newly enhanced Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium, with Vlad Kaltenieks, CEO of BoyleSports, and Tim Lucey, CEO of Greyhound Racing Ireland, officially launching 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.
Greyhound Racing Ireland CEO Tim Lucey & BoyleSports CEO Vlad Kaltenieks officially launch the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby 2025 at the newly redeveloped Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium.
Vlad Kaltenieks, CEO of BoyleSports, said: “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, CEO of Greyhound Racing Ireland, 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.” 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 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.
At the launch of the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby at Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium were (l-r): Michael Dempsey (Leinster Racing Manager), Dylan Brennan (Racing Manager Shelbourne Park), Tim Lucey (CEO, Greyhound Racing Ireland), Vlad Kaltenieks (CEO, BoyleSports), Gill Blake Swift (Director of Brand, BoyleSports), Tye Adamson (Sponsorhip Executive, BoyleSports) , Kieran Holden (Sponsorship Manager, BoyleSports)
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.
Trap Draw (1st Round Heats): Monday 18th August at 12pm, Oaks Suite, Shelbourne Park
1st Round: Friday 22nd & Saturday 23rd August
2nd Round: Friday 29th & Saturday 30th August
3rd Round: Saturday 6th September
Quarter Finals: Saturday 13th September
Semi-Finals: Saturday 20th September
Final: Saturday 27th September
Join us in Shelbourne Park at the launch of the 2025 BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby.
The competition returns this August and September to the Dublin venue and the countdown is on! We spoke to Vlad Kaltenieks, CEO of BoyleSports, and Tim Lucey, CEO of Greyhound Racing Ireland, along with Dylan Brennan from the Shelbourne Park racing team as we look forward to another fantastic renewal.
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If you missed yesterday's launch story, click here to read it now.
The BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby is the biggest event on the Irish Greyhound Racing calendar taking place each year in Dublin's Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium.
The 2024 event takes place later in the year following the renovation works in Shelbourne Park and this year's event promises to be the best yet with racegoers set for blistering action on the track and an inviting and exciting new stadium to enjoy!