What Is the Bar One Racing Irish Greyhound Laurels? History, Format & Why It Matters

Free Pics No Repro Fee 15 09 2025 Pictured at the launch of the Bar One 2025 Irish Greyhound Laurels at Curraheen Park were Tim Lucey CEO GRI, Pat Flanagan Chairman GRI and Declan McCourt Bar one racing . The Irish Greyhound Laurels, one of the nation’s most prestigious greyhound racing competitions, boasts a total prize fund of over €60,000, with the winner set to claim €30,000 in the final on Saturday, November 8th. Photography by Gerard McCarthy photography More Info Contact Orla Strumble Orla.Strumble@grireland.ie

What Is the Bar One Racing Irish Greyhound Laurels? History, Format & Why It Matters

The Irish Greyhound Laurels Explained

The Irish Greyhound Laurels, proudly sponsored by Bar One Racing, is one of the most famous and respected events in Irish greyhound racing. Held every year at Curraheen Park Stadium in Cork, it attracts Ireland’s top greyhounds, trainers, and fans for weeks of high-speed action and excitement.


A Prestigious History

First run in 1944, the Laurels quickly became a cornerstone of the Irish greyhound calendar. Originally staged at Cork’s old Western Road track, it found a new home at Curraheen Park in 2000, and the move has only strengthened its reputation.

Many of the sport’s legendary names have lifted the Laurels trophy, making it one of the most coveted prizes in Irish greyhound racing.


Bar One Racing – Proud Sponsors of the Laurels

As one of Ireland’s leading independent bookmakers, Bar One Racing is proud to sponsor this iconic event.

The Bar One Racing Irish Laurels highlights the company’s long-standing commitment to supporting Irish racing, from grassroots meetings to major national competitions. The sponsorship ensures the event continues to thrive, offering outstanding racing and entertainment for punters and fans alike.


Race Format and Distance

The Laurels is run over 525 yards and follows a knockout competition format, including heats, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a grand final.

Only the quickest and most consistent greyhounds progress through the stages, with the final night at Curraheen Park always delivering a thrilling climax to the series.


Prize Fund and Prestige

Winning the Bar One Racing Irish Greyhound Laurels is a major career milestone for any trainer or owner.

Along with a significant prize fund, the event carries enormous prestige, and many past winners have gone on to compete successfully in other major greyhound classics such as the Irish Greyhound Derby and English Greyhound Derby.


Cork’s Racing Heartbeat

Cork’s connection to the Laurels is deeply rooted in local pride and sporting tradition. Each autumn, Curraheen Park comes alive as racing fans from across Ireland flock to witness the action.

The atmosphere is electric, with passionate crowds, high-quality racing, and the sense that every run could make history.


Betting on the Bar One Racing Irish Laurels

For punters, the Laurels provides outstanding betting opportunities. With form lines, sectional times, and track bias all playing key roles, the competition is a test of both canine ability and expert prediction.

Bar One Racing will have updated betting markets in stores nationwide throughout the event with updates available across the Bar One Racing social platforms.


Why the Irish Laurels Matters

The Bar One Racing Irish Greyhound Laurels isn’t just another race, it’s a celebration of Irish sport, local pride, and world-class greyhound talent. Whether you’re a racing enthusiast, a regular punter, or simply love a great sporting story, the Laurels embodies everything that makes greyhound racing in Ireland special.



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*Odds were correct at time of publishing the article

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