The Easter Cup was first run in Shelbourne Park in 1928, the first ever open event in Ireland. It has run almost every year since, with two exceptions in 1953 and 2017, and established itself as one of the great competition in greyhound sport. 

The Easter Cup, run over the 550 yard distance, has traditionally attracted the top greyhounds in training and through the years some of the most famous names in the sport have competed. The original Easter Cup in 1928 was won by Odd Blade in 30.64. He also went on to win the second running of competition in 1929, beating Mick the Miller by half a length. Spanish Battleship won in 1954 and 1955 in the middle of his Derby hat-trick.