Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) has announced an increase in the prize money allocated to the 2023 Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby, which gets underway in July and concludes with the Grand Final in September.
Held at the home of Irish greyhound racing in Shelbourne Park, the Derby is the most prestigious greyhound racing competition in the country and is considered one of the biggest events in the international greyhound calendar.
According to RCÉ Director of Racing Derek Frehill, the prize money for this year’s showcase event has been increased from €266,300 to 300,000, representing a rise of 13% on 2022.
“The change to the prizemoney structure involves an increased spread from the overall runner–up right down to unplaced second round entrants,” he explained. “There will be an overall greater spread of prize money making the Derby an even more attractive proposition for trainers and owners right across the country.”
Round 1 of greyhound racing’s flagship event gets underway on July 28th and 29th, with Rounds 2 and 3 taking place on August 4th/5th and August 12th respectively. The Quarter Finals and semi-finals will be held on August 19th and August 26th respectively, followed by the final on Saturday, September 2nd.
Mr. Frehill commented, “We are expecting a huge field of entries to this year’s Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby following what was one of the most exciting Derby events in many years in 2022. There was an electric atmosphere at Shelbourne Park as crowds watched Born Warrior claim the title. We are also delighted that the Derby will once again be broadcast live on television which will be welcomed by greyhound racing supporters at home and abroad.”
