GRI
Ivan Yates has been unveiled as the host of the Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby presenting two live broadcasts alongside well-known greyhound racing analyst Ian Fortune. Ivan is well known for his interest in greyhound racing dating back to his days as Minister for Agriculture (1994 - 1997) to more recently as owner of Razldazl Newstalk. These days he is a frequent attendee at his local track at Enniscorthy.
The First Round is set to take place on August 19th and 20th, with the Semi Final on September 17th and Final scheduled on 24th September.
The Irish Greyhound Derby held at Shelbourne Park, is the most prestigious greyhound racing competition in the country and is considered one of the biggest events in the international greyhound calendar.
Dearbhla O’Brien, CEO of Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ), commented, “This is an exciting development for RCÉ and the wider greyhound community as it will showcase our most popular and longest running racing events.
Meanwhile, Ms. O’Brien has confirmed that RCÉ is fully committed to the long-term future and development of greyhound racing activity at Shelbourne Park.
“Shelbourne Park is a flagship stadium in the RCÉ portfolio and is to greyhound racing what Croke Park is to Gaelic Games,” she explained.
Ms. O’Brien continued, “In 2021, following considerable interest from developers, the Board of RCÉ unanimously affirmed its long-term intention to retain greyhound racing at Shelbourne Park and further decided that it would be the focus of capital improvements enhancing the stadium and the track for the people of Ireland. Plans and designs for this state-of-the-art investment are underway. Works are expected to commence in early 2023.”
The Semi-Finals will be televised live on Virgin Media Two at 8pm Saturday 17th September with the Final being broadcast live a week later on Saturday 24th September.