Entries increase for BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby as better incentives introduced

The trap draw for the most prestigious race in the Greyhound Calendar, the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby 2018 got underway earlier today (Tuesday 14 August), with 138 entries submitted, above the set target of 120. Feedback from owners and trainers has been very positive to the greater distribution and new incentives announced for the 87th running of the classic. The race for the increased €300,000 jackpot starts this Friday at Ireland’s premiere greyhound stadium, Shelbourne Park in Dublin.

Racing Manager Derek Frehill commented ‘Previously we would have received around 120 entries. This year, the bonuses have created a greater interest from smaller owners to enter the Derby. This is the first time that prize money is concentrated on the heat winners, with €2,000 going to the winners of the semi finals.’

The total jackpot will see a greater distribution as unplaced finalists including semi and quarters will receive a significant increase. Payments will be staggered for heat winners with larger rewards for greyhounds winning later rounds, particularly quarter and semi-finals. A number of new incentives have also been introduced. The last standing UK Greyhound (exc. Northern Ireland) will receive €5,000 (min. 10 entries required) in addition to the €200 payment to assist with travel costs. The last bitch standing will receive €3,000 while €2,000 each will go to last owner trained greyhound and the last syndicate owned greyhound.

With a total prize fund of €300,000, the Irish Greyhound Derby is in its 87th year. In 2017 BoyleSports, Ireland’s largest independent bookmaker signed a three sponsorship deal with the Irish Greyhound Board which will deliver €1 million in prize money to greyhound owners, breeders and trainers.

The Irish Greyhound Derby begins on Friday 17 August in Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium in Dublin. The Final of this highly anticipated event will take place on Saturday 22 September 2018. Both the Semi-Final and Final will be broadcast live on RTÉ 2 and online to a worldwide audience on RTÉ website and RTÉ Player.  For information on the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby visit www.gogreyhoundracing.ie.

Prize money increases to €300,000


Incentives:

€5,000 to last standing UK Greyhound (T & C's apply: only paid if 10 or more entries travelling from England/Scotland/Wales)

This is confined to greyhounds travelling from mainland UK and not open to greyhounds based in Northern Ireland. Winner based on last greyhound eliminated from Derby. Placings will decide winner (4th/5th/6th) times will not be taken into account. If two greyhounds are eliminated at the same stage and have same placing the pot will be halved. All greyhounds travelling from mainland UK (England, Scotland, Wales) are entitled to a one off €200 payment to assist with travel costs.

€3,000 to last bitch standing. This is confined to bitches competing in the event regardless of where they have travelled from. Placings will decide winner (4th/5th/6th) times will not be taken into account. If two bitches are eliminated at the same stage and have same placing the pot will be halved.

€2,000 to last owner trained greyhound standing. This is confined to greyhounds that are owner trained only. Any greyhound who is with an agent or private/public trainer do not qualify for this incentive. Placings will decide winner (4th/5th/6th) times will not be taken into account. If two bitches are eliminated at the same stage and have same placing the pot will be halved.

€2,000 to last syndicate owned greyhound standing. This is confined to syndicate owned greyhounds regardless of their training status. Placings will decide winner (4th/5th/6th) times will not be taken into account. If two bitches are eliminated at the same stage and have same placing the pot will be halved.


Additional Information

This is the fifth year of BoyleSports sponsorship of the classic event, which has been running since 1928, receiving classic status in 1932.  The competition, which is run over a distance of 550yds, takes place in Shelbourne Park, Dublin, and was won in 2017 by Good News.

The total prize fund for the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby 2018 is €300,000. Of the €300,000 the winner will receive €140,000 and a commemorative trophy. Under the Irish Greyhound Board’s innovative prize money scheme, the breeder of the winner will receive €14,000 (10% of the winner’s prize) and if the winner is trained by a licensed public trainer he or she will also receive €14,000 (10% of the winner’s prize).

Irish Greyhound Derby timeline:

First round heats:  17 & 18 August 2017

Second round heats: 24 & 25 August 2017

Third round heats:  Saturday 1 September 2017

Quarter- Finals: Saturday 8 September

Semi- Finals:  Saturday 15 September – Live on RTÉ 2

BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby Final: Saturday 22 September – Live on RTÉ 2