THE 2024 BOYLESPORTS IRISH GREYHOUND DERBY IS LAUNCHED AT SHELBOURNE PARK
GRI
Ireland’s largest independent bookmaker, BoyleSports, today launched the 2024 Irish Greyhound Derby at Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium.
This years’ event takes place later than usual, due to the refurbishment of Shelbourne Park which was opened to the public last week. The change of date has thrown up the possibility of the Juvenile Derby Winner competing for the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby Title in the same calendar year. All eyes will be on Callaway Knegare and trainer Owen McKenna as he attempts to make history and claim both titles, a feat never possible before due to the calendar schedule.
This will be the first year of the new three-year agreement announced last year by the team at BoyleSports. The competition which is considered the most prestigious event in Ireland is also one of the biggest in the international greyhound calendar. There has been increased interest from the UK with English Puppy Classic winner, March on Freddie, trained by David Mullins confirmed to challenge for the Irish title, and whispers of at least one other UK contender to follow.
The journey to emulate the 2023 champion, The Other Kobe, will get underway later this month with the opening round of the competition taking place on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th October in Shelbourne Park. The competition will continue weekly, culminating in the Final on Saturday 23rd November, with both the semi-finals and final being broadcast live on Virgin media Television.
Tim Lucey, CEO of Greyhound Racing Ireland, said, “We are all looking forward to six weeks of exceptional greyhound racing. We are also looking forward to fans enjoying the new look Shelbourne Park and anticipate an electric atmosphere as crowds watch greyhounds compete for the ultimate title in our sport. Having BoyleSports as sponsor has helped to deliver many fantastic finals over the past 11 years, and I look forward to another great event for 2024”.
Sharon McHugh, Head of PR and Sponsorship for BoyleSports, commented, “We are delighted to continue supporting greyhound racing in Ireland with our sponsorship of the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby. It’s the All-Ireland of greyhound racing and it’s an extra special year for the Derby in its new beautifully refurbished home at Shelbourne Park. The move to October /November this year has opened the door to some UK challengers which promises to make for an exciting and fiercely competitive six weeks. We’re looking forward to all the action and seeing how the betting shapes up.”
Visit www.ShelbourneParkGreyhoundStadium.ie for more on the 2024 BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby.