After two nights featuring 24 first round heats, the opening round of the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby came to a thrilling conclusion at Shelbourne Park on Saturday night, delivering everything fans could have hoped for, shocks, sensational performances, tight finishes and major statements of intent from some of the sport’s biggest names.
The action kicked off on Friday evening, where the defending champion Bockos Diamond (trained by Graham Holland) suffered his first-ever defeat at Shelbourne Park, narrowly beaten in a pulsating clash by the brilliant Epic Ace in Heat 5. While Diamond lost nothing in defeat, Epic Ace (trained by Tipperary trainer Pat Guilfoyle) announced himself as a serious Derby contender with a dazzling 29.38 run.
There were also standout displays from Bombay Pat (trained by Tipperary based trainer Graham Holland), who set the standard with a lightning-fast 29.27, and Droopys Patriot, who clocked a slick 29.30 in Heat 3, completing a notable double on the night for Kildare trainer Robert Gleeson. UK challenger Proper Heiress also impressed, storming to victory in 29.45 for Mark Wallis, while the ever-popular Cheap Sandwiches (Graham Holland) began his campaign in style, bouncing back from a recent setback to land Heat 1.
The drama continued into Saturday night, with the second half of the opening round providing another feast of high-class racing. None was more impressive than Rolo Tokyo (Damian Maginn, Downpatrick), who posted the fastest time of the round, a blistering 29.29 in Heat 19 to underline his credentials as a leading challenger.
Rolo Tokyo winner of Heat 19 Round 1 2025 BOYLE Sports Derby Pic: Imelda Grauer
It was also a memorable night for the ladies, with four bitches lighting up the card: Lennies Dream (Paul Hennessy, Kilkenny), Ballymac Danica (Liam Dowling, Kerry), Magical On Fire (Pat Guilfoyle, Tipperary), and Magical Sapphire (Pat Guilfoyle, Tipperary). Each produced powerful performances to progress in style. Other notable winners across the two nights included:
Seven Beach (Heat 9) trained by 2-time winning trainer Jennifer O’Donnell (Tipperary), continuing his outstanding 2025 form with a comfortable success.
Carrick Scholsey (Heat 15), trained by another Derby winning trainer, Robert Gleeson, who confirmed his status as a leading fancy with a dominant display in 29.42.
Hopes Teddy (Heat 16), Pat Buckley who also has a Derby title under his belt. This Easter Cup champion was back to winning ways with a determined run.
Unanimous Leo (Heat 24), trained by Pat Buckley, closed the round with a last-stride victory in a thrilling finish.
The round was not without controversy. Boylesports Bob was disqualified in Heat 21 following a dramatic bunch finish that saw Brunch Pal (trained by David Murray, Mullingar) emerge victorious by the narrowest of margins.
Commenting on the opening weekend, Dylan Brennan, Racing Manager at Shelbourne Park said: “The opening round of the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby had it all, drama, speed, shocks and world-class performances. From Rolo Tokyo’s blistering run to Epic Ace’s defeat of the defending champion, we have already seen the quality and excitement that makes this event so special. The stage is now perfectly set for an unforgettable Derby.”
The BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby now moves into the second round on Friday 29th and Saturday 30th August, with competition intensifying as the very best greyhounds in Ireland and the UK continue their quest for the sport’s ultimate prize of €125,000.
For all details check out www.shelbourneparkgreyhoundstadium.ie
