FINAL: SATURDAY 14th JUNE 2025
RACE PROGRAMME
WELCOME TO
Shelbourne Greyhound Stadium Ltd., Dublin 4 Reservations: 061 448080
Licensed by and under Rules of Racing of Rásíocht Con Éireann.
Meeting Date:
Meeting No :
MEET THE TEAM
Racing Manager: Dylan Brennan, Conor Matthews
Leinster Regional Racing Manager: Michael Dempsey
Control Steward: Conor Byrne
Vet Surgeon: Clare Meaney & Shane Nagle
Hare Controllers: Dave McDermott, David Turner
Starters: Derek Garvey, Dave Turner, Thomas Shields
Judge: Anthony Power
General Manager: Dara Geraghty
Tote Operations Manager: Linda Conroy
Stewards of the Meeting: C. Matthews, D. Brennan, C. Byrne, M. Dempsey, F. Kieran, J. Black, M. Maguire, D. Turner.
All GRI Officials in Attendance
Next Meeting Date:
D. J. Histon Keeper of the Irish Greyhound Stud Book
Fáilte
The Executive Committee of the ICC extends a warm welcome to all owners, trainers, breeders, stud keepers and greyhound enthusiasts attending the final of the Sporting Press Online Edition Irish Oaks.
As proud sponsors, we are delighted with how this year’s competition has unfolded. Widely regarded as one of the most competitive finals in recent times, the 2025 Irish Oaks boasts a top-class field, where any one of the finalists can claim outright victory given the open nature of the final.
The Sporting Press remains the longest-running greyhound publication across all racing jurisdictions and is honoured to be associated with this prestigious classic for female greyhounds for the past 34 years. This year also marks the fourth anniversary of the Sporting Press Online Edition, which continues to grow in popularity and is available every Tuesday evening at 8pm.
This iconic Oaks competition showcases the very best of the female talent in Irish greyhound racing and serves as a barometer for the strength of our breeding future. Once again, we have witnessed outstanding performances from elite bitches in training from all four provinces.
We extend our sincere thanks to Declan O’Donoghue for his exceptional weekly coverage, which keeps readers informed and engaged throughout the event. We also acknowledge the contributions of Ian Fortune, Tommy Lyons, and Jason Craddock, along with Orla Strumble, Thomas Ryan, and Dawn Quinn of GRI for their continued support.
A special word of thanks goes to Imelda Grauer, our long-standing photographer, for capturing the memorable moments that mark the competition.
The ICC proudly supports the Irish Oaks each year, recognising that the foundation of our sport lies in breeding. The future of the industry depends on the calibre of our brood bitches and the dedication of breeders. With recent growth in matings, it is vital to acknowledge the essential role breeders play in ensuring the ongoing vibrancy of greyhound racing.
Finally, our appreciation goes to Dylan Brennan, Michael Dempsey, Conor Matthews, and the entire team at Shelbourne Park for delivering yet another unforgettable Sporting Press Online Edition Irish Oaks. Best of luck to each of tonight’s finalists and we look forward to seeing their progeny grace the circuit in the years to come.
D.J. Histon CEO/Secretary ICC
Grayslands scored in 2005, Ballydoyle in 2015
by Anne Marie O’Brien
2005
The Sporting Press Irish Oaks of 2005 had a late start, near the end of June, and the fastest first-round winner was Shellys Crown.
Michael Dalton’s bitch was winning her third race, from just four starts, when she won her qualifier by five lengths in 28.72.
There were 16 first-round heats, after which the 4/1 favourites were Barefoot Jenny and Grayslands Pixie, with Shellys Crown on 8/1 and Vesuvius at 10/1.
It was an exceptionally busy period, with the St Leger, Corn Cuchulainn and English Derby all on at the same time. Ireland had three Derby finalists for the first time in 21 years. Owen McKenna had Geldrops Touch while also having Miss Wonderful in the Oaks third round on the same night. And Seamus Graham had two at Wimbledon, Mineola Farloe and Blue Majestic, while at home, he had Embassy Lane in the Oaks.
Ahead of the semi-finals, Miss Wonderful and Grayslands Pixie, trained by Bill O’Hare, were both odds-on, with Pixie best in the quarter-finals for owners Elliott and Des Whyte in 29.53. Karens Late won in 28.91, Noelles Magico in 28.71, and Dead Set in 29.42.
The final line-up was 1 Ogillvie Teresa, 2 Noelles Magico, 3 Minds Eye, 4 Angies Style, 5 Grayslands Pixie and 6 Miss Wonderful. The €35,000 first prize went to Grayslands Pixie, 7/4, who overtook Noelles Magico at the third bend, with Miss Wonderful third.
2015
In 2015, Alison Coxon’s Ballydoyle Honey won the Puppy Oaks for trainer Graham Holland and promptly shot to 28.09 victory in the first round of the Sporting Press Irish Oaks, one of four heat winners for the Golden handler;.
Ballydoyle Honey was again magical in round 2, winning in 28.31, with her sister Urban Gossip winning in 28.54, Lislevane Swift successful in 28.41, and Kingsmill Bound in 28.56. 28.76 was on the clock for Tony Walsh’s Skymas, and Roger Dwan’s Borna Helena won in 28.74.
In the third round, Ballydoyle Honey really lit up Ringsend with a 27.95 triumph, kennelmate Rising Twirl won in 28.39, Tyrur Dicky in 28.50 and Reggie Roberts’ Urban Gossip in 28.59. Honey, at 1/2, was strongly expected to win her semi-final the following week, and she didn’t disappoint, winning by eight lengths in 28.18 ahead of Hovex Princess and Jumeirah Dancer. Gerry Barber’s Ravenswood Emily won her semi in 28.81, with Awaywithdepixies and Piercestown Lucy also going through. And Honey pulled it off again in the final a week later, going off at 1/5 favourite, and keeping her 100% record of winning in the red jacket. It was a five-runner final as Jumeirah Dancer was out due to coughing. Hovex Priness was best away, leading from Awaywitdepixies, and it was only between the third and fourth bends that Ballydoyle Honey picked up the pace and won by three-quarters of a length, in 28.47. Hovex was second and Ravenswood Emily third.
Pictured right are Nicky and Rachel Holland with Ballydoyle Honey and Hovex Princess.
IRISH OAKS - ROLL OF HONOUR
Sporting Press Thank Our Loyal Readers & Advertisers A1 57
Philip Enright (Abbeyfeale)
Wnr €10500, 2nd €4000, 3rd €2000 HtWnr: €250 Unpl R1: €20 3 Qualify Entry Fee €50
Beatty Memorial Corn Cuchulainn Round 1 Heat 1
750, total prizefund €22,440
Versatile lady. Drawn in her favour but will need to be at her very best to score
Useful performer. Encouraging six bend debut last time. This is a tougher test
Top class lady. Made a stunning debut over this trip Apr 19 LMK. The one to beat
Talented stayer. Back to his best last time and seen as the main danger to T3
Interesting Munster raider. Needs to find plenty on form to worry the judge here
Talented lady. Impressed in only six bend start, staying on strongly. Can figure
Nash &KathleenClifford,Ballylongford
Donal Beatty Memorial Corn Cuchulainn
FIRST ROUND - SATURDAY 14TH JUNE
HEAT 1
Trap 1 Cayan Lady
Trap 2 Paw Mcgrath
Trap 3 Born To Perform
Trap 4 Droopys Comrade (M)
Trap 5 Ardfert Sarah (W)
Trap 6 Ballymac Sophia (W)
HEAT 2
Trap 1 Delicate Lass
Trap 2 Lets Go Marty
Trap 3 Braveheart Bambi
Trap 4 Air Flyer (M)
Trap 5 Wellstreet Cath (W)
Trap 6 Hello Diego (W)
HEAT 3
Trap 1 Brackile Roxy
Trap 2 Rosy Cross
Trap 3 Jaytee Craze
Trap 4 Callaway Hybrid (M)
Trap 5 In Good Time (W)
Trap 6 Daleroad Poppy (W)
HEAT 4
Trap 1 Boylesports Blue
Trap 2 Sunset Shannon
Trap 3 Keelans Joker (M)
Trap 4 Borna Viper (M)
Trap 5 Ardfertmacsarah (M)
Trap 6 Darbys Dancer (W)
Memorial Corn Cuchulainn
1
2
Mr. Eugene Price (Co. Kildare.)
Memorial Corn Cuchulainn
1
3
Denis Fraher (Pallasgreen)
ROSY CROSS
T1
Wnr €10500, 2nd €4000, 3rd €2000 HtWnr: €250 Unpl R1: €20 3 Qualify Entry Fee €50
Beatty Memorial Corn Cuchulainn Round 1 Heat 4
Brilliant performer over four bends. Fine run in defeat last time. A leading fancy 2-1
Capable stayer with fine pace throughout. Needs to be at her sharpest this time 6-1
Promising type. An impressive winner of his last two starts. Clearly one to note 2-1
Emerged an easy winner last time. Up in grade but clearly has ability. Trio claims 4-1 T5
Southern raider. Failed to win any of her recent starts and this is even tougher 16-1
Talented lady with fine pace and stamina. Won valuable stake at Cork. Prospects 3-1 Win/Place:1
Jason Craddock previews the 2025
2020 SPOR ONLINE IRISH OAKS FINAL
Gift Voucher SportingPress
Orla’s the golden girl for Oaks final glory
1 Lemon Orla
2 Innfield Riddle
3 Sadies Lucy
4 Blackeyed Turbo
5 Carrigmore Freya
6 Ballymac Marcia
Lemon Orla is given the vote to land this wide-open Sporting Press Online Edition Irish Oaks final. Tom O’Neill’s bitch is possibly the strongest in the line up and well drawn on the fence. Last week she produced her best performance of the competition when coming from off the pace to score in 28.36sec, the fastest of the round. The daughter of Jacob Tashadelek can go the bend better than in recent efforts and if she turns in a handy position, she can overhaul her rivals.
Innfield Riddle is the youngest in the field and led Lemon Orla for much of the race last week before going down by a length and a half close home. Barry Clancy’s bitch is by some way the youngest in the line-up and open to most improvement. She will try to give them the slip from the start.
Vying for the same ground will be Sadies Lucy, who landed the other semi-final in 28.44sec, her first success in the competition. Paul Duffy’s bitch is in great form and has been very consistent over the last month, she needs a flier.
Blackeyed Turbo tends to be at her best over further but she is still effective over 525 yards and doesn’t have too much to find to make an impact.
Carrigmore Freya was successful in rounds two and three and boasts a best time in the event of 28.44sec. If producing her best start, she would have major claims.
Ballymac Marcia tends to leave her races behind at the start but she ran her best race of the competition last week after a better exit, and as the only wide seed, has to be respected.
Sporting Press OnLine Edition Irish Oaks Final
Best of luck to tonight’s finalists in the
2025 English Greyhound Derby
DROOPYS PLUNGE
Owner: The-The-Tall-Men-Syndicate
Trainer: Patrick Janssens
Breeder: Sean Dunphy
SOLE MIO
Owner: Aidan Comerford
Trainer: Peter Cronin
Breeder: Aidan Comerford
DE LAHDEDAH
Owner: The Garsuns Syndicate
Trainer: Liam Dowling
Breeder: Liam Dowling
BOMBAY PAT (W)
Owner: E.M. Buckley & P.J. Muldoon
Trainer: Graham Holland
Breeder: Thomas Murphy
CHEAP SANDWICHES (W)
Owner: Bark Wahlberg Syndicate
Trainer: Graham Holland
Breeder: Joseph O’Connor
BOCKOS DIAMOND (W)
Owner: Remember Them Syndicate
Trainer: Graham Holland
Breeder: Rachel Wheeler
The Shelbourne Champion 550 Semi-Final
Total Prizefund €16,170, January 23 or younger
Ms Dolores Ruth (Co.
LEMON ORLA
OWNERS:
INNFIELD RIDDLE
OWNER:
SADIES LUCY
OWNER: GERRY DALY
TRAINER: PAUL DUFFY
BREEDER: GERRY DALY
OWNER: P AND A COFFEY SYNDICATE TRAINER: GRAHAM HOLLAND
OWNER: SHANE DOWLING TRAINER: LIAM DOWLING
Pictured with Tom O’Neill
Pictured with Barry Clancy
Pictured with Paul Duffy
Pictured with Kevin Losty
Pictured with Gary Walsh
Pictured with Daragh Sheehan
Pics: Imelda Grauer
The Shelbourne Champion 550 Semi-Final
Total Prizefund €16,170, January 23 or younger
Ms Dolores Ruth (Co. Kildare.)
Trackside With Declan O'Donoghue A0 525
Celebrating 34 years of IRISH GREYHOUND OAKS sponsorship in 2025
We would like to thank all our readers and advertisers. Without your support, this sponsorship would not be possible.
Photos by Imelda Grauer AAO Maiden 525
€1,360 Dogs that Never Won AAO race over four bends
Big Race Previews by Jason Craddock AAO 525
upcoming stakes
THURSDAY 19TH JUNE
A5/A6 525 (No Backgraders)
For 12 @€20 Winner €1,500
A4 Regulars 525
For 12 @ €20 Winner €1,500 (Must have 3 races @ SPK in 2025)
FRIDAY 20TH JUNE
A2 575 For 6 @ €20 Winner €500
A3 525 (No backgraders)
For 12 @ €20 Winner €1,750
Celtic Cooling Refrigeration & Air
Conditioning ON1 Unraced 525 (1st and 2nd round Friday, final on Saturday 5th July)
Summer Unraced
For 24 @ €30 Winner €15,000
SATURDAY 21ST JUNE
A1 525 For 6 @ €20
Winner €500 (Aug 23 or younger)
A0 575 For 6 @ €20 Winner €600
A0 550 For 6 @ €20 Winner €600
AA0 550 For 6 @ €20 Winner €750
THURSDAY 26TH JUNE
Tuono Charlie @ Stud ON2 525
For 24 @ €20 Winner €2,500
ON3 525 for 12 €20 Winner €1,500
SATURDAY 28TH JUNE
BoyleSports Champion Stakes
For 18 @ €300 Winner €20,000
BoyleSports Champion Plate
For 18 @€50 Winner €4,000
SATURDAY 5TH JULY
Time Juvenile Derby
For 48 @ €50 Winner €25,000 (August 23 or younger)
All Entries for Friday & Saturday Cards must be in before 9pm on Monday. Entries for Thursday Card must be in before 12 noon on Friday. Via Text/WhattsApp System Only Text Entries To: 085 8004891
Any entries received for sweepstakes which do not fill an alternative place in a graded race will be found for entries unless otherwise instructed not to.
PRIZE MONEY FOR ALL STAKES IS SUBJECT TO THEM FILLING.
OFFICIAL TRIAL SESSIONS
Each Race Night Weigh In @ 5.30pm (Must Be Pre-Booked and weighed in before 5.30pm)
Private trials Monday 9.30am – 2.30pm
Public trials each night prior to racing @ 5.30pm
Trials to be booked on www.grireland.ie
*PLEASE NOTE*
From the 1st January 2025 post weigh-in trials will be discontinued
*From the 1st January 2025, owners and trainers can request seeding on unraced greyhounds on approval after a qualifying trial at Shelbourne. Other tracks won’t be taken into consideration.
ShelbournePark-FloatingReserves
Mr. Joseph Byrne (Tullow)
A BALLYKILDUFF GEM
Mr. John Collins/Mr.
BRICKHILL MOANA
THREEBESTFRIENDS
ShelbournePark-FloatingReserves
LITTLER
ShelbournePark-FloatingReserves
Vincent Purtill (Ballybunion)
GLENLARA BLUE
THIS RUNS DEEP
