The Irish Greyhound Derby held at Shelbourne Park, is the premier greyhound racing competition in Ireland.
First held at Harold's Cross in 1928, the event was unofficial until 1932 and called the National Derby. The first winner in 1928 was Tipperary Hills who won in a time of 30.56 sec at a starting price of 1-1f.
It controversially switched to Shelbourne Park in 1932 and then it was held in alternate years between the two tracks.
The defunct Markets Field Greyhound Stadium in Limerick and the defunct Cork Greyhound Stadium in Western Road both hosted the event once in 1939 and 1942 respectively. The 1969 Irish Greyhound Derby was the last renewal held at Harold's Cross and the competition remained at Shelbourne Park from 1970. The most successful greyhound has been Spanish Battleship who won the event three times.
Today it is considered to be one of the two biggest races in the calendar by the UK & Ireland greyhound racing industries, alongside the English Greyhound Derby.
Venues and distances Harolds Cross (1928–1931, then alternate years until 1967) Limerick (1939) Cork (1942) Shelbourne Park (1932, then alternate years until 1967) Shelbourne Park (1968–1985, 525 yards) Shelbourne Park (1986–present, 550 yards)
Statistics
StatComment Most wins 3; Spanish Battleship 1953, 1954, 1955 Winning trainer Graham Holland (5)Gay McKenna, Tom Lynch, (4) Ger McKenna, Matt O'Donnell, Seamus Graham (all 3) Winning Bitches 9; 1933, 1937, 1941, 1972, 1979, 1990, 1996, 1999, 2021 Starting Prices Shortest winners: 2024 (3/10f), 1954 (4/11f) Longest winners: 1996 (14–1) Dual Derby winners Toms the Best
Past winners YearWinning GreyhoundBreedingTrainerOwnerBreeder1928 Tipperary Hills Melksham Tom – Na Boc EBilly Quinn Billy Quinn 1929 Jack Bob Orkit – Tottie Longsocks H Yeats Miss P Harris Mick Lynch 1930 Prince Fern Green Fern – Run AroundJames Harper James Harper 1931 Little Chummie Bottle – Coolalong GirlBilly Quinn Michael Grace Michael Grace (Callan)1932 Guideless Joe Guiding Hand – Flaming FireMick Horan Jack Moylan Cornelius Forde 1933 Monologue Mutton Cutlet – High ForceLuke Maher Luke Maher John Hughes 1934 Frisco Hobo Hidden Badger – Pykes PeakTom Harty Tim Fennin 1935 Roving Yank Roving Bunty – Yankey LandTom Harty Billy Dunne Michael Ryan (Tipperary)1936 Minstrel Rover Dick The Rover – Hogans ChoiceMichael Sheehan Michael Sheehan Charlie Grumbridge (Fermoy)1937 Muinessa Slanebeg – Won But LosNuala O'Byrne Nuala O'Byrne Simon Garrahan (Rathconrath)1938 Abbeylara Prudent Turn – That's The WhyTom Black Tom Black Larry Kiernan (Granard) 1939 Marchin' Thro' Georgia Church Parade – Stone ParkJ.J.Doran A. Morton 1940 Tanist Inler – TranquilaBilly Quinn Arthur Probert Father Browne 1941 Brave Damsel Maidens Boy – Queen of the SuirPaddy Kelly John Byrne John Byrne (Tipperary) 1942 Uacterlainn Riac Creamery Border – Roisin RiacJohn Crowley Jerry Crowley S Riordan (Cork) 1943 Famous Knight Highland Rum – Flyers FortuneBertie Tierney Miss R Monaghan Flynn1944 Clonbonny Bridge Melksham Nobody – Bridge of AvonA O'Neill A O'Neill 1945 Lilacs Luck Printer – Wilton Sandills Paddy Byrne M Coolican 1946 Steve Printer – Verge of PalmHarry O'Neill Mrs R.H. Dent Pat Redmond (The Harrow)1947 Daring Flash Tanist – Daring LadyMary d'Arcy Mary d'Arcy Mary d'Arcy (Kilternan)1948 Western Post Lucky Post – Lonesome Sister Paddy Moclair Frank Davis Brother Brouther (Newcastle West)1949 Spanish Lad Shaggy Lad – Cordal MoonlightTim (Chubb) O'Connor Tim (Chubb) O'Connor Tim (Chubb) O'Connor (Killorglin)1950 Crossmolina Rambler Tanner Trail – Reney's Delight Anthony Meenaghan Frank Fox Tadgh Drummond (Kerry)1951 Carmodys Tanist Mad Tanist – Castletown SkinnerDicky Myles Frances Chandler 1952 Rough Waters D X Rice – Just PushHenry Lalor Patricia Lalor John Byrne (Duncormick)1953 Spanish Battleship Spanish Chestnut – Ballyseedy MemoryTom Lynch Tim (Chubb) O'Connor Tadgh Drummond (Kerry) 1954 Spanish Battleship Spanish Chestnut – Ballyseedy MemoryTom Lynch Tim (Chubb) O'Connor Tadgh Drummond (Kerry)1955 Spanish Battleship Spanish Chestnut – Ballyseedy MemoryTom Lynch Tim (Chubb) O'Connor Tadgh Drummond (Kerry)1956 Keep Moving Imperial Dancer – CaliforniaTommy Ferguson Mrs Kathleen McBride Crean1957 Hopeful Cutlet Imperial Dancer – Katie The DuckJack Mullan Chris Farrelly 1958 Colonel Perry Olly's Quare Rebel – Ashgrove BreezeJack Nallen Mrs Olive Tasker Larry Cribbin (Edenderry)1959 Sir Frederick Champion Prince – Charming BiddyTom Harty Mrs Hannah Cronin Jimmy Walsh (Waterford)1960 Perrys Apple Only Perry – Ryans DemonPaddy Behan Paddy Behan Charlie Weld (Robertstown)1961 Chieftains Guest Knock Hill Chieftain – Star GuestLeslie McNair McNair & Eric MCullough Leslie McNair1962 Shanes Legacy Knock Hill Chieftain – BetsyBob McCann Bob McCann Bob McCann (Randalstown)1963 Drumahiskey Venture Odd Venture – Drumahiskey GirlMrs Eithne Hammond Mrs Eithne Hammond Mrs Eithne Hammond (Ballymena)1964 Wonder Valley Pigalle Wonder – Racing MillieJack Mullan Jack Mullan 1965 Ballyowen Chief Oregon Prince – Earnest LadyGay McKenna Mrs Lillie McKenna 1966 Always Proud Clonalvy Pride – Always A RebelGay McKenna Albert Lucas Albert Lucas (Bray)1967 Russian Gun Pigalle Wonder – ShandarobaTom Lynch Hugh Marley Frank Muldoon (Dungannon)1968 Yellow Printer Printer's Prince – Yellow StreakJohn Bassett (England) Miss Pauline Wallis & Sir Robert Adeane 1969 Own Pride Always Proud – Kitty TrueGer McKenna Tom O'Doherty Ignatius Kelly (Cooraclare)1970 Monalee Pride Prairie Flash – Sheila at LastGay McKenna Dave Cahill Bertie Hatton (Enniscorthy)1971 Sole Aim Monalee Champion – YurituniDavid Geggus (England) Mrs Frances Chandler 1972 Catsrock Daisy Fantastic Prince – Truly SilverGay McKenna Matt Bruton & Cyril Scotland Mrs Ann Rellis (Waterford) 1973 Bashful Man Myross Again – BallyflakeGer McKenna Deirdre Hynes Mrs Nancy Dirrane (Kilmallock)1974 Lively Band Silver Hope – Kell's QueenJack Murphy Cyril Scotland Denis Clancy1975 Shifting Shadow Clonsherry – Queens ParachutePodger Molloy Brian Donovan & Michael Cummiskey Paddy O'Connor1976 Tain Mor Monalee Champion – An TainPaddy & Jack Nolan Miss Aifric Campbell Paddy & Jack Nolan (County Wexford)1977 Linda's Champion Monalee Champion – Merry LindaMichael Barrett Michael Barrett Michael Barrett (Ballingarry)1978 Pampered Rover Time Up Please – Pampered PeggyPaddy Keane Joe Phelan Joe Phelan (Conahy, County Kilkenny)1979 Penny County Dark Mercury – Columbcille AimMatt Travers Paddy Hurney & Sean Dunne Con Moore (Thomastown)1980 Suir Miller Minnesota Miller – More CreamMichael Barrett Elizabeth Flood Elizabeth Flood (Tipperary)1981 Bold Work Itsachampion – Silver MollFrank O'Regan Breda O'Regan Michael Foley1982 Cooladine Super Tranquility Sea – Cooladine RubyColm McGrath Siobhan Kenny 1983 Belvedere Bran Brave Bran – Knock OutDermot O'Sullivan Con O'Sullivan Thomas McSherry (Nenagh)1984 Dipmac Sand Man – Kind of LuxurySeamus Graham Paschal Taggart & Noel Ryan Seamus Graham (County Laois) 1985 Tubbercurry Lad Liberty Lad – Tubbercurry Nancy Charlie Faul Michael Costelloe Charlie Faul (Sligo)1986 Kyle Jack Oran Jack – Lady BarbaraJohn Field Michael Field Batt O'Keeffe (Kerry)1987 Rathgallen Tady Overdraught Pet – Mea WestGer McKenna Eddie Costello Colm McCarthy (Golden)1988 Make History Game Ball – Raymonds PrideJohnny Quigley Paul McKinney & John Kelly Ramie Dowling (Kilkenny)1989 Manorville Magic Manorville Sand – Black VisionPaddy Doran Catherine Doran Catherine Doran (Tipperary)1990 The Other Toss The Other Risk – Knocknaboha SnapMatt O'Donnell John Houilhan Michael Lonergan (Cahir)1991 Ardfert Mick Ardfert Sean – Boher RitaMatt O'Donnell Noel Clifford Maurice Harty (Kerry)1992 Manx Treasure Greenpark Fox – Minorcas FuchsiaMichael O'Sullivan John Guilford John Guilford (Isle of Man)1993 Daleys Denis Daleys Gold – Lisnakill FlyerBrendan Mullan George Davenport & Patrick Keating John O'Brien (Surrey) 1994 Joyful Tidings Whisper Wishes – Newmans MallDonie O'Regan Michael Carmody Donal O'Connor (Tipperary) 1995 Batties Rocket Batties Whisper – Lady Arrancourt Matt O'Donnell Alicia Swaffield Alicia Swaffield (Wheldrake, York)1996 Tina Marina Phantom Flash – Minnies NikitaSeamus Graham Greenvale+ Elizabeth Maher (Tipperary) 1997 Toms The Best Frightful Flash – Ladys Guest Nick Savva (England) Eddie Shotton Ian Greaves (Kildare)1998 Eyeman Double Bid – Minglers MagicEddie Wade Gerard Kervick Jim Moore (Carrigeen)1999 Spring Time Vintage Prince – MeantimeGerald Watson Gerald Watson Charles Magill (Larne) 2000 Judicial Pride Thorgil Tex – Dons PrideMichael O'Donovan Pat Daly Michael Walsh (Knocknagoshel)2001 Cool Performance Mustang Jack – Pony NikitaSean Bourke Patsy Byrne & Mick Gleeson P.J. Keane (Abbeydorney) 2002 Bypass Byway Spiral Nikita – Sandy PennyOllie Bray Michael Kearney Pat D'Arcy (Clare) 2003 Climate Control Larkhill Jo – Ballinclare StarSeamus Graham Kevin Smith & Aidan O'Regan Ailish & Ailsing McCann (Wexford) 2004 Like A Shot Larkhill Jo – Blackstone LaceOwen McKenna Michael Kelly Patrick Sinnott (Kells)2005 He Said So Top Honcho – You Said SoTim O'Donovan Jim Hennessy & Tim O'Donovan Mick O'Donovan (Cork)2006 Razldazl Billy Brett Lee – Inky BlackDolores Ruth Liam Marks Tommy Holden/Michael Power (Youghal)2007 Tyrur Rhino Tyrur Ted – Tyrur Marita Paul Hennessy P.J. Fahy P.J. Fahy (Galway)2008 Shelbourne Aston Just The Best – Queen SurvivorPat Curtin Curtin-Hehir-Montgomery+ John Marks (Tipperary)2009 College Causeway Go Wild Teddy – College TinaPat Buckley Mike & Vincent McKenna Frank Culloty (Kerry)2010 Tyrur McGuigan Brett Lee – Tyrur TemptressConor Fahy P.J. Fahy P.J. Fahy (Galway) 2011 Razldazl George Kinloch Brae – Razldazl PearlDolores Ruth Dazzling+ Dolores Ruth (Kildare)2012 Skywalker Puma Royal Impact – Dianas RangerFrances O'Donnell Ray Patterson Paddy Purtill (Lisselton)2013 Slippery Robert Hondo Black – Steamy WindowsRobert Gleeson Larry Dunne Larry Dunne (Louth)2014 Laughil Blake Brett Lee – Laughil LassMichael O'Donovan Mary & Paul Jennings Mary Jennings (Offaly)2015 Ballymac Matt Tyrur Big Mike – Ballymac ScarletLiam Dowling Ballymac-kelly-and-the-lads+ Liam Dowling (Kerry)2016 Rural Hawaii Head Bound – Duck Fat Graham Holland Helen & Michael O'Dwyer Michael O'Dwyer (Clonmel)2017Good News – Pippy Patrick Guilfoyle Sandra Guilfoyle & Mary Kennedy John Kennedy (Thurles)2018Ballyanne Sim Confident Rankin – Freedom Shadow James Robinson Eamon Cleary Kathleen Pomfret2019Lenson Bocko Droopys Jet – Melodys Diamond Graham Holland Lochead-Ponder-Whelan+ Patrick Collins (Ballylongford)2020Newinn Taylor Droopys Buick – Newinn Expert Graham Holland Simon Taylor Jim O'Donnell2021Susie Sapphire Droopys Jet – Jetstream Lynx Owen McKenna Peter ComerfordPeter Comerford2022Born Warrior Ballymac Best – Mountaylor Queen Jennifer O'Donnell Whatever-you-like SyndicateJennifer O'Donnell2023The Other Kobe Ballymac Best – Mountaylor Queen Jennifer O'Donnell Brian Clare & David L'EstrangeJennifer O'Donnell2024Bockos Diamond Dorotas Wildcat – Seaglass Shadow Graham Holland Remember Them+ Joseph O'Connor2025Cheap Sandwiches Burgess Bucks – Hearthill Josie Graham Holland Bark Wahlberg+Joseph O'Connor
References