BOOMER RETIRED AND OFF TO STUD
Ian Fortune
It came to our attention in recent days that Shanahee Boomer has run his final race, ending a career that saw him grow into one of the most consistent, professional and thoroughly likeable greyhounds in the country.
His career was a bit different to many others. For all that he was a talented tracker from the start of his career, winning races at Youghal on debut and a couple at Cork, it wasn’t until he ventured up country to Shelbourne Park that he really began to shine.
After seventeen career starts elsewhere, many of which came at Cork, he ventured to Dublin for the first time in May 2025, a full year after his debut. Winning an A1 contest in 28.47, his connections were obviously greatly encouraged as much of his career thereafter focused around Shelbourne Park.
He briefly returned to Cork and won races over 550yds in 29.94 and over 525yds a week later in 28.15. He was now ready for his toughest yet, the 2025 Maiden Derby at Shelbourne Park and to say he took the competition by storm would be quite the understatement.
Flawless through the valuable pre-Derby competition, he won in 29.63, 29.43 and the final in 29.60. The feature of his performances was his alacrity from boxes and the speed in which he would put his races to bed.
Blessed with superb trapping ability and the early speed to leave his rivals floundering in behind, he just looked made for Shelbourne Park. Indeed, it was often joked that he would drive the van to Dublin himself, such was his love for the famous circuit.
Soon after, his displays in the early rounds of the Irish Derby highlighted his ability to perform at the highest level at Shelbourne. After running into the likes of Epic Ace and defending champion Bockos Diamond in the opening round of the Derby, he would return to his sharpest to land his second and third round assignments.
He was amongst the favourites for his quarter final but luck wasn’t his ally and he made his exit. Still, he was now spoken of in the same breath as many of Ireland’s best.
He was lightly raced through the remainder of 2025 but returned to racing action in March. Again, it was a later return to Shelbourne Park that saw him return to his best. He finished runner-up in a valuable A0 stake in early April before finishing a good third in the Select Stakes at Waterford.
Ultimately his nest assignment would be his last on the track. He was at his very sharpest through the hugely valuable Summer Cup at Shelbourne, posting 28.28 and 28.10 in a couple of the rounds before starting a 2-1 chance in the decider. It wasn’t meant to be. Despite running a tremendous race, Newinn Spot got first run from an inside draw. Shanahee Boomer was beaten just two lengths into second in 28.13.
It wasn’t meant to be his final start but he picked up an injury in a trial just a month later and the decision to retire him was an easy one.
Through his career, he must have been a joy to be connected with. His handler Kieran Lynch certainly got him singing a sweet tune, while his owners the Bate The Ditch Syndicate got so many great nights out of their star.
The well-bred son of Derby champion Good News and the well-bred Droopys Dream is now off to stud with nothing to prove. Set to stand with Michael O’Driscoll, he is sure to prove popular with breeders looking to introduce early speed to their line.
Shanahee Boomer had a wonderful blend of class, professionalism, ability and attitude. If he passes his attributes on, have no doubt we’ll hear more of him as a sire in the future.