SHELBOURNE PARK BOOKMAKERS ANNOUNCE THREE-YEAR SPONSORSHIP OF THE HISTORIC EASTER CUP

GRI

Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) is delighted to announce a new three-year sponsorship agreement with The Shelbourne Park Bookmakers for the iconic Easter Cup, one of greyhound racing’s most prestigious Classic events.

The 2026 running of the Easter Cup, in its 98th edition, will mark the first Classic of the year at Shelbourne Park. The competition will commence on 14 March 2026, culminating in the Final on 4 April 2026, where the winner will claim the coveted €25,000 top prize.

Pictured right: L-R Michael Dempsey, Leinster Racing Manager, Ray Mulvaney representing the Shelbourne Park Bookmakers, Pat Meskell, Director of Veterinary Services at Greyhound Racing Ireland, and Pat Flanagan, Chairman of Greyhound Racing Ireland / Rásaíocht Con Éireann

First inaugurated in 1928, the Easter Cup has long been a centrepiece of the Irish greyhound racing calendar. It has attracted the sport’s elite for nearly a century, featuring legendary greyhounds such as Odd Blade, Mick the Miller, and Spanish Battleship. 

In more recent years winners have included such household names as Susie Sapphire, Swords Rex and Clonbrien Treaty.  The 2025 champion was Hopes Teddy who won in 29.81 under the guidance of trainer Pat Buckley.

Ray Mulvaney, speaking on behalf of The Shelbourne Park Bookmakers, said, "We are incredibly proud to sponsor the Easter Cup for the next three years. This event is woven into the heritage of Shelbourne Park and the wider greyhound racing community. We are committed to supporting a competition that consistently delivers top-class racing, excitement, and international interest. We look forward to playing a key role in elevating the Easter Cup as it enters a new era."

Tim Lucey, CEO of Greyhound Racing Ireland, added, "We welcome The Shelbourne Park Bookmakers as the new long-term sponsors of the Easter Cup. Their commitment reflects their deep connection to Shelbourne Park and their belief in the future of our sport. The Easter Cup has a rich history and remains a highlight of the racing year, and this partnership ensures the continued strength, profile, and prestige of this Classic for years to come. We look forward to an exceptional competition in 2026."

The partnership with The Shelbourne Park Bookmakers ensures that this proud tradition will continue to be showcased at the highest level.

Representatives of the Shelbourne Park Bookmakers, led by their spokesperson Ray Mulvaney, pictured in Shelbourne Park at the announcement of their sponsorship of the Easter Cup from 2026 onwards. The competition will get underway in March at the Dublin venue.