Tuesday 19 September 2017

Increased Prize-money from October

Irish Greyhound Board confirm 25% increase in prize money

‘Increase in prize money will support greyhound re-homing and welfare’

The Irish Greyhound Board (IGB) has today (Tuesday 19 September) confirmed the planned increase in prize money through an equivalent of a 25% increase in ordinary race grants will take effect from 1 October 2017.

The decision has been made possible through the sale of Harold’s Cross Stadium which will clear the company’s legacy debt and facilitate scope for re-investment into the industry.

Commenting on the announcement IGB Chairman Phil Meaney said:

“This increase in prize money which works out at an additional investment of €1.2m, will provide for an overall annual prize money total of over €9 million. I am delighted to see this further support to owners, breeders and trainers which will further sustain the greyhound sector. Today’s announcement will also  further support the re-homing of retired greyhounds as a percentage of prize money matched by IGB is assigned to the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust (IRGT). In recent years, the number of re-homed greyhounds through the IRGT and supported re-homing agencies has increased from 614 in 2014 to 891 in 2016.”

The Irish Retired Greyhound Trust (IRGT), a registered charity set up by the IGB, works with owners to re-home greyhounds after retirement and in promoting greyhounds as domestic pets. The charity is funded by a 2% deduction from winning prize money which is then matched by the IGB. Many retired greyhounds are also re-homed throughout Ireland, Europe and North America through charities supported by the IRGT.

Contrary to perception, greyhounds make for excellent pets as they require little exercise or special diet.

Support the IRGT at Derby Final



Show your support for your favourite Derby Finalist this weekend in aid of the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust. Rosettes supporting each of the finalists will be on sale in Shelbourne Park on Saturday night at the Final of the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby. Priced at only €5 all money raised from the sale of the rosettes will go directly to the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust, with the rosettes themselves paid for by the IGB Marketing department.

Last year, a total of €1,250.65 was raised for the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust through sales of rosettes and donations received at the Derby Final. **Let's treble that this year!!
Barry Coleman, Welfare Manager at the IGB, manning the IRGT stand at last year’s Derby Final.