Strong Tipperary representation for Greyhound Derby Final

Bockos Gold and Bouncing Monarch emerged as the semi-final winners of the 2026 Boyle Sports Irish Greyhound Derby at Shelbourne Park in Cork on Saturday night, September 6th, securing their places in next Saturday's €125,000-to-the-winner final.

With the field reduced from twelve to six, Bockos Gold (trained in Golden, Tipperary by Graham Holland) produced a late surge to land the opening heat, while Bouncing Monarch (also trained in Tipperary, this time in Tipp Town by Michael O’Donovan) maintained his flawless record in the second heat to reach the final.

The opening semi-final had Bockos Gold in first in 29.37, with Hackney Dancer (another Michael O'Donoban-trained dog) finished second, while Im Here kept on well to secure the final qualifying position.

The second semi-final saw Derby favourite Bouncing Monarch maintain his unbeaten run claiming victory by half a length in 29.37.

In second was Sleight of Hand, with Wi Can James (trained in Cloughjoran by Pat Guilfoyle) in third to complete the list of qualifiers.

Following Saturday's semi-finals, the draw for the 2026 Boyle Sports Irish Greyhound Derby Final is:

Trap 1: Sleight Of Hand

Trap 2: Bouncing Monarch

Trap 3: Wi Can James

Trap 4: Hackney Dancer

Trap 5: Bockos Gold

Trap 6: Im Here (Wide)

With six finalists now confirmed, anticipation is building for next Saturday night's showpiece at Shelbourne Park, where Bouncing Monarch will bid to complete an unbeaten run.