BoyleSports Confirm Sponsorship Of 2020 Irish Greyhound Derby

BoyleSports are delighted to announce the sponsorship of the 2020 BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby at Shelbourne Park.

The Derby is the most prestigious race in the Irish Greyhound Calendar and boasts a prize-fund this year of €255,460.

Last year’s event was won by Lenson Bocko, for trainer Graham Holland and the Lochead-Ponder-Whelan syndicate, who took home the €140,000 winning prize in a time of 29.40 seconds. Lenson Bocko was subsequently named ‘Dog of the Year’ at the 2019 National Greyhound Awards.

The early market with BoyleSports has Lenson Bocko and Ballymac Inspeed as the joint 8/1 favourites, along with Newinn Taylor (12/1), Glengar Bale (16/1), Da Bold Eagle (16/1) and Black Parachute (16/1).

2020 has been a challenging year for all sports and BoyleSports are delighted to confirm the prize-fund for the Irish Greyhound Derby will be over €250,000. This year, the winning connections will scoop a first prize of €115,000.

BoyleSports are also thrilled to announce that they will be sponsoring the Champion Stakes that kicks off this Saturday at Shelbourne Park, with the total prize fund unchanged at €32,000.

Run over 550 yards, the event traditionally attracts big names to Shelbourne Park, with many viewing it as the perfect entrée to the biggest Irish Greyhound competition, the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby.

The winner will earn €20,000 and it has a stunning line up of 18 greyhounds with the early ante-post favourite Lenson Bocko at 5/2.

Leon Blanche, Head of Communications and Public Relations of BoyleSports, commented: “This is our seventh year sponsoring the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby and we’re delighted to be involved again in such an iconic race.

“Lenson Bocko was a superb winner last year and a well backed favourite on the lead up to the big final. As a company we pride ourselves on our continued commitment to Irish sport and we’re looking forward to what is certain to be another very competitive renewal.

“We are also looking forward to the BoyleSports Champion Stakes kicking off this weekend and it has attracted some top-class entries with 18 greyhounds. It’s been a difficult time for everyone with the COVID-19 pandemic, but we are proud to be associated with another competitive competition with €20,000 up for grabs for the lucky winner.”

Speaking about the announcement, Frank Nyhan, Chairman of IGB, said: “The continued support of John Boyle and his company BoyleSports for The Irish Greyhound Derby is a tremendous vote of confidence for the sport of Irish greyhound racing during what are difficult times for all.

John has been a long-term supporter of the Irish Greyhound Industry and today’s announcement, especially in the current environment, will be welcomed by Greyhound Owners, Trainers and Breeders across Ireland.

“The IGB for its part has been intent on delivering the overall 2020 racing schedule and maintaining its investment in the highlight of the racing calendar. We look forward to hosting what can only be described as the most exciting night on the racing calendar – The BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby 2020!”

The opening rounds of the 2020 Derby will begin on Friday and Saturday, 14th & 15th of August, and run for six weekends, with the final being held on Saturday, September 19th.

The draw for the Derby will take place Monday, August 10th at midday, and this will be broadcast live on the Irish Greyhound Board Facebook page.