The Easter Cup has long been associated with Irish greyhound racing. After all, it was inaugurated in 1928 – the year after Shelbourne Park in Dublin opened – and has been a vital fixture in the calendar ever since, with the exception of 2017, when it was cancelled.
Over the years, the Easter Cup has boasted some big name winners, who have won multiple titles, including Odd Blade, Spanish Battleship and more recently, Late Late Show. The 2022 final was recently raced, and if you’re looking to find out more, read on as we take a highlight some of the most recent winners.
With plenty of other events taking place throughout the season, the latest odds can be found here: https://www.betdaq.com/exchange/greyhound-racing-100008.
2022: Susie Sapphire
Days after she was named Supreme Greyhound of the Year at the National Greyhound Awards, Susie Sapphire landed trainer Owen McKenna the €25,000 prize when she won the Easter Cup.
Sent to traps as the 1/3 favourite, she made it look easy – and the race was effectively over in a matter of strides. It was officially the fastest start of he career, crossing the line with a two length advantage, which then opened up to three lengths before the bend, and four lengths before the halfway mark.
Susie Sapphire went on to finish four and a half lengths clear of Beach Avenue, recording a time of 29.48 seconds – landing McKenna a fourth victory.
2021: Knocknaboul Syd
Knocknaboul Syd had previously reached two English Derby semi-finals, but in winning the coveted Easter Cup, gave trainer Pat Buckley, his second success in the race. Sent to traps as the 11/4 favourite, he was a worthy winner – beating Beach Avenue by four lengths to secure the prize pot.
Sadly, later that year, he was retired due to recurring injury – but amassed €35,000 in prize money during his career, also winning the Kingdom Derby.
2020: Wolfe
While the 2020 edition of the Easter Cup was held behind closed doors, amidst the coronavirus pandemic, it was another victory for successful trainer Graham Holland – with Wolfe, the winner.
It was the dog’s first major title, and while he started off slowly, it proved to be an incredible win. After tracking the early leader, kennelmate, Murts Boher, the gap opened up to a length and a half, reaching the third turn. Wolfe made his move before turning for home, and his strength paid off. The Marian Moloney-owned Wolfe held off the late challenge of Ballymac Anton to secure victory, in a time of 29.89secs.
2019: Clona Blaze
A superb 1-2 for Holland and all at Riverside Kennels in 2019, when Clona Blaze won the 2019 Easter Cup, closely followed by Clonbrien Prince – with a neck separating the two kennelmates.
It marked a first win since 2015 for trainer, Holland, and Clona Blaze was a worthy winner. The long-time leader was pushed hard , but his pace was just too much. While his lead of four lengths was cut going into the run-in, it proved to be a thrilling finale – with a quick winning time of 29.37secs.
2018: Colarhouse Gerry
Colarhouse Gerry produced the performance of his career, landing McKenna a third victory in the final of the Easter Cup. Quick out of trap one, he led all the way, beating Kilgraney Master in second and Fast Fit Alex in third – with a winning time of 29.56secs.
After the race, McKenna was delighted and suggested Colarhouse Gerry could have been even quicker, had his legs not got tangled:
“He actually half lost his footing, he came out so quick and hard tonight.”
