Competition Quality Continues to Shine in Irish Greyhound Racing

Competition Quality Continues to Shine in Ireland

Shelbourne saw the semis of the Time Juvenile Derby on Friday night, where Graham Holland's Rural Pest once more came out on top. He is going quicker with every round and very much looks the one that the field are going to have to beat in the final this week. Could he become another Boylesports Irish Derby candidate for Holland’s powerful team?

Clonbrien Treaty Makes More History

Speaking of the Holland kennel, Clonbrien Treaty made it into his third straight Irish St Leger final. Although a remarkable achievement, he had to give best on the night—at least in terms of time—to Hello Diego, who continues to improve. The BetGoodwin and JR Racing Maiden Derby winner has found Limerick very much to his liking.

Sprint Cup Drama

The third big competition currently in action is the Bar One Irish Sprint Cup, although there’s a disappointing twist. Lennies Tank, who set the standard in the quarter-finals, has been withdrawn ahead of the semis.

That leaves reigning champion Broadstrand Syd as the clear ante-post favourite to win the competition in back-to-back years.

Rising Stars: Hackney Mati & Love Venom

A pair of pups from the Droopys Sydney – Ballymac Pete litter made headlines this week.

• Hackney Mati claimed the Kilkenny award

• Her litter brother Love Venom secured Clonmel honours

Both remain unbeaten in their first two career starts, with the litter already showing impressive early potential.

Bushpark Rodney Joins Elite Company

At Cork, Team Holland struck again as Bushpark Rodney became the first greyhound in 2025 to break the 28-second barrier at the track.

That’s elite company—only four dogs managed it in 2024:

• Bockos Diamond (three times)
• Droopys Plunge
• Bombay Pat
• Untold Dollar
• 
  

Notably, three of those were English Greyhound Derby 2025 finalists.