The Race of Champions is a greyhound racing competition held annually at the Kingdom Greyhound Stadium in Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland.
Race history It was inaugurated in 2008 and therefore is a relatively new event but due to the significant winners prize money on offer stands as a feature event in the Irish racing calendar. The event offers one of the richest prizes for a one-off race. In 2019, the competition was sponsored by Navillus and previous to that was sponsored by Boylesports and served as a major fundraiser for the Kerry GAA training fund, while showcasing how the greyhound industry plays a pivotal role in the local community.
The event has been won a record five times by Graham Holland.
Venues and distances 2008-present (Tralee 550y)
Sponsors 2008–2011 (Paddy O'Sullivan) 2012–2012 (Betdaq) 2013–2017 (Boylesports) 2018–2018 (Kerry G.A.A Supporters) 2019–2019 (Navillus) 2021–2021 (S.I.S) 2022–2025 (Denis Murphy)
Past winners YearWinnerBreedingTrainerSPTime (sec)Notes/ref2008Melodys Pat Larkhill Jo – Urla Melody Pa Fitzgerald 3/1 29.62 Track record2009 Cash Dream Crash – A Little Slow Gerry Holian 6/1 30.492010 Beaming Dilemma Brett Lee – Beaming Heart Pat Buckley 8/1 29.662011Deerfield Music Ace Hi Rumble – Droopys Bolero Maurice (Mossy) O’Connor 6/4f 29.52 Track record2012Razldazl Rioga Brett Lee – Razldazl Pearl Dolores Ruth 9/4f 29.582013 Farloe Trent Hondo Black – Final Pearl Pat Buckley 6/1 29.43 Track record2014Sidarian Blaze Kinloch Brae – Silverhill Tina Graham Holland 5/2 29.572015 Rural Hawaii Head Bound – Duck Fat Graham Holland 6/1 29.522016 Paradise Maverick Royal Impact – Paradise Alanna Pat Buckley 4/129.612017 Killinan Rosie Brett Lee – Killinan Baby Pat Buckley 7/129.622018Clonbrien Hero Razldazl Jayfkay – Trout or Salmon Graham Holland 5/2 29.992019Slippy Cian Crash – Global Liberty Graham Holland 2/1 29.602020 cancelled due to COVID-192021Explosive BoyGood News – Delightful GirlPatrick GuilfoyleNo SP29.36No SP due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions2022Bockos BudsitLaughil Blake – Matts MonicaGraham Holland9/229.432023Ballinabola EdConfident Rankin – Dolls Lady Pat Buckley 1/1f29.232024Coolavanny OttoDroopys Sydney – Westwind Jet Pat Buckley 11/229.382025Seven BeachPestana – Whitings Gift Jennifer O'Donnell 13/8f29.09Track record
References