Greyhounds
Irish Greyhound Derby Final 2026: Tips & Predictions For Shelbourne Park
The 2026 Irish Greyhound Derby Final is upon us with Shelbourne Park once again hosting one of the biggest races of the year.
William Hill ambassador Dani Jackson reveals her picks at Shelbourne on Saturday evening.
Saturday, Shelbourne
The best night of the year in Ireland is upon us and I’m going to try and give you the one, two, three in the €125,000 feature at Shelbourne Park.
First has to be BOUNCING MONARCH (5/6) from Trap 2. He has been electric in every round, blasting out and making a mockery of his rivals from the front.
His shortest winning distance was last week, a paltry two lengths! Michael O’Donovan has won it twice in the past with Judicial Pride and Laughil Blake, so he knows how to get his hounds to trap on the big nights.
He has two in the field, but the Monarch should reign over his kennelmate.
It’s BOCKOS GOLD (6/1) for me in second. He had his best run last week when recording his second win of the contest and seems to be coming to the boil at exactly the right time.
He’s a real battler and will most likely be seen sitting handy throughout. In third, SLEIGHT OF HAND (11/2) in Trap 1. He hasn’t been out of the front two in the competition so far, he has a good dose of early speed and will give Bouncing Monarch something to think about up to the first bend.
The only puppy in the field has shown he can mix it with the very best and should feature in the finish. Strap yourselves in and watch the clock. This race line-up is one of the best in recent memory.
Prediction:
1st – T2 Bouncing Monarch
2nd – T5 Bockos Gold
3rd – T1 Sleight Of Hand
