SPECIAL NIGHT IN DUBLIN AS CHAMPIONS SET TO BE CROWNED

Ian Fortune

Shelbourne Park is a special place that provides special nights and tonight is certainly one of them with three major finals up for decision, while the entire ten-race card is packed with incredible quality.

The feature is, of course, the Boylesports Champion Stakes but there is also huge interest in the final of the Boylesports Champion Plate and the Celtic Cooling Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Open Unraced 525.

Throw in a few races featuring some very exciting pups on the undercard and it really has all the makings of one of the great nights of 2025.

The Boylesports Champion Stake was first run in 1986 and in the almost 40-year history of the competition, many of the greatest names to grace the sport have emerged triumphant. Tonight, another exceptional line-up will challenge for the €20,000 prize, although it will be a five-dog affair following the sad news that Ballyhooly Bruno has been withdrawn after picking up a toe injury.

BEACH SEEKING MORE BIG RACE GLORY

In his absence, a select group will look to take advantage of the extra racing room. Favourite to land the prize is the all-conquering Seven Beach. Since the turn of the year, the Jennifer O’Donnell trained superstar has won the Gold Cup, Select Stakes and most recently the Race of Champions in track record breaking fashion.

He may have suffered a rare reversal in the semis but is a worthy favourite. Should he produce one of his famed flying starts, the son of Pestana would soon emerge as the one to beat at the head of affairs. Likewise, any mistakes at boxes would leave him vulnerable.  

Were he to come home in front, he would hand his dual Derby winning handler a first Champion Stakes to follow in the footsteps of her legendary father, the late great Matt O’Donnell, who won the famous competition all the way back in 1991 with the wonderful Ardfert Mick.

DASHING DANICA A BIG PLAYER

Standing in his way are a talented bunch, led by the resurgent Ballymac Danica. A star in her youth, she has returned to form in recent weeks, going deep in the Oaks before producing a massive run in the semi-finals when lowering the colours of Seven Beach.

Paw-perfect at boxes, the daughter of Ballymac Cooper was dominant in a 29.56 success. There is perhaps further room for improvement but that will require another flying start. Liam Dowling has been patient with his star, who missed much of 2024 and early 2025, and could be about to reap the rewards.

Win or lose, she certainly seems ready to be a star through the second half of the year and will no doubt be aimed at the Derby for which she is certainly capable of emerging a leading contender. She also has something of a Champion Stakes pedigree about her with her brilliant dam Ballymac Arminta landing the famous prize back in 2019, one of two victories for Liam Dowling who also won the event in 2014 with Ballymac Vic.

HARVEY HOPING TO HAND GRAHAM A HAT TRICK

Garham Holland is also chasing a third Champion Stakes after the victories of Sidarian Vega and the sensational Clares Rocket in 2015 and 2016. He is represented by the remarkably consistent Faypoint Harvey.

Drawn to perfection in one, he is a very natural starter and has the all-round pace to challenge the best in the business. There is no doubt he will need to dictate the pace if he is to come home in front but the son of Droopys Sydney is capable of doing so.

He was only picked up on the line in the semi-finals by the powerful Lennies Desire and his many followers will be hoping he can go one better this evening. Certainly, at odds of 4-1 with the sponsors, he will attract support.

LENNIES WITH THE DESIRE

The aforementioned Lennies Desire lines out in the stripes of six. Representing Paul Hennessy, who is seeking an incredible seventh Champion Stakes title, the inexperienced son of Signet Ace has shown that he has an engine to match any greyhound in training. 

His finest hour came when smashing the track record at Towcester but he proved in the semi-finals of this stake that the 550yd trip around Shelbourne Park is his future. Showing incredible pace and strength, he came from off the pace to collar Faypoint Harvey in the final stride and there seems every chance he can go up faster.

Have little doubt, Lennies Desire has the pace and power to be a potent force for the remainder of his career and he is seen as a serious threat to all.

CASH NEEDS TO GET LOOSE

That leaves us with Cheque For Cash. He has long been a top-class performer for his lucky owners, the Cash Back Syndicate, and handler Karol Ramsbottom. Much like many of his rivals, he has superb early speed and will be looking to get off the front.

He recently set new figures for the 550yd trip at Tralee, only to lose his record to Seven Beach soon after, but it went to highlight his well-being. Despite failing to get daylight on his rivals in the semi-finals, he dug deep to take second spot and it would be no surprise to see him again making his presence felt despite being the outsider of the field. That fact that he is not double-figure odds highlights the fact that the layers respect his chances and rightly so.

A WONDERFUL DECIDER

It's a wonderful Champions Stakes decider. Yes, it would be better if Ballyhooly Bruno was taking his spot but it remains a hugely competitive contest.

Seven Beach is a worthy favourite and after showing great bravery and determination to qualify in the semis, he is chosen to reverse the form with Ballymac Danica. The latter is clearly a massive threat and won’t be shy of support, while it’s hard to see how Lennies Desire finishes out of the frame. He too is greatly respected. Best of luck to all.      

Celtic Cooling Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Open Unraced

BRILLIANT YOUNGSTERS ON SHOW IN CELTIC UNRACED

There are a few potential 2026 Champion Stakes challengers on show in the final of the Celtic Cooling Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Open Unraced. The big two in the market ahead of the €15,000 decider are Magical Major and Ballymac Stud and both have shown enough to suggest they could be very special.

Certainly, it would be no surprise if either were to develop into superstars, while fastest semi-final winner, and litter brother to the favourite Magical Major, Coloursaregreen also falls into that bracket.

Throw in the very promising trio of Highview Paul, Getup The Boy and Pennys Nugget and it is a race we will be looking back on in the future and reflecting on the incredible quality that emerged from it.

Ballymac Stud and Highview Paul will defend an unbeaten record this evening but Magical Major is chosen to emerge triumphant. He won on debut in 28.23, looking quite raw in the process, before finishing a close second last week despite finding plenty of traffic throughout.

It was a massive run in defeat and one that suggested a rails draw will really play to his strengths. Ballymac Stud and Coloursaregreen are drawn in three and four and will have plenty of support but neither can afford to allow Magical Major up their inside.

Highview Paul is also likely to go up strongly but he may struggle to dictate from a trap five draw, while Getup The Boy and Pennys Nugget will need to improve considerably on previous form to claim this valuable prize.

Magical Major has been introduced a short-priced favourite for a reason. He has the perfect draw on the fence, seems to be improving with each run and is ready to go exceptionally fast. If starting on terms, he could quickly take a grip of the contest and is selected to lead home Ballymac Major and Coloursaregreen.

DIEGO SET TO STRIKE IN PLATE

There is also a quality line-up in the Boylesports Champion Plate decider. Born Braver was withdrawn during the week but he is to b replaced by Lotto Other News. Favourite to land the €4,000 prize is the powerful Hello Diego.

An impressive semi-final winner in 29.56, the Paul Hennessy trained powerhouse will wear his beloved stripes and seems likely to steer a wide path, potentially avoiding any traffic. With a clear passage, he will be difficult to contain given his immense power and strength.

Of his rivals, the aforementioned Lotto Other News is a possible pace-setter on the inside of the track, although he will be vulnerable if one of his strong running rivals gets loose behind him.

Liam Dowling’s Ballymac Jester and Ballymac Tibet are both greatly respected. The former threw himself to the line to score last week, posting 29.78, while Ballymac Tibet went a spot faster when running on well behind Hello Diego.

Of the pair, it’s easier to make a case for Ballymac Jester as he seems to have more early dash than his kennelmate.

Lennies Madge is also respected after an eye-catching run in defeat last week. She flew from the second turn, making up plenty of ground on Ballymac Jester, and it would be no surprise to see her make the frame.

Clona Comet is one of the outsiders of the field but is also more than capable of racing prominently. His presence is a concern for those on his flanks but he would need to turn in front to land a telling blow.

It’s a terrific contest but Hello Diego seems to be in the form of his career and a repeat of his latest display could be just enough to get the better oft Ballymac Jester and Lennies Madge. 

TOKYO LOOKS THE PART IN DUNDALK’S CARROLL MEMORIAL

Ian Fortune

Once again, the 2025 renewal of the Eamon and Paddy Carroll Memorial has provided some outstanding action and the standout star has been the exciting Rolo Tokyo. He will have his final start in graded company for the foreseeable future when he lines out in tonight’s €2,600 decider.

The well bred son of Coolavanny Hoffa and the late Oi Oi Upenalty made his four-bend debut in the opening round, winning in 28.73. In the subsequent weeks he won in 28.45 and 28.20 and is now set to land the valuable prize for his connections John Scofield and handler Damian Maginn.

Blessed with tremendous pace from start to finish, he need only clear his main rival Highview Adam in the opening yards and he would quickly emerge as the one to beat.

Highview Adam has shown real strength in his recent outings and will certainly finish well but can he turn close enough to the favourite. He dictated the pace from early last week in his semi-final success but that was the exception rather than the rule. Each of the remaining quartet are capable of posting 28.60 or so but that may not be good enough in this occasion.

In short, Rolo Tokyo is chosen to go to the front early before posting yet another massive run. Whether he can match his latest 28.20 return, which happened to be the third fastest time ever recorded around Dundalk for the 525yd trip, has to be seen but it wouldn’t be a shock if he did so. Highview Adam can chase him home in second.

INTERNATIONAL HOPEFULS TRIAL AT DUNDALK

Ian Fortune

Daleroad Duke, Ballinabola Joe, Droopys Deploy and Hopes Teddy all had a spin at Dundalk on Friday evening ahead of a potential crack at the TIME Greyhound Nutrition Champion Stakes.

Daleroad Duke posted a quick 29.72 off a 4.10 sectional for the 550yds, while Ballinabola Joe had his first look at the circuit and posted an encouraging 29.79, also off a 4.10 sectional.

Droopys Deploy displayed his well-being over the 525yd trip, clocking 28.30 (2.67 sectional), while Easter Cup champ Hopes Teddy moved well in a 28.49 (2.56 sectional) return. 

A GREAT MAN REMEMBERED AS PAT CURTIN MEMORIAL CONCLUDES AT MULLINGAR

Ian Fortune

It’s difficult to believe it is two years since we lost the gentle giant, Pat Curtin. One of the great characters of the sport of greyhound racing, the mere mention of his name brings a smile to the face of so many.

Fittingly, he is always remembered on the big nights when his friends meet up. In his later years as a trainer, he spent much time in Mullingar and the midlands venue is a fitting home to the Pat Curtin Memorial, which will come to a conclusion tonight.

The stake, which is sponsored by the Phoenix Kennels of Ian and Billy Reilly, was won in 2024 by Clonfert Annie who went on to become an open race star. This year’s renewal has also provided some tremendous action and it is fitting that this evening’s contest looks wide open.

Home Darragh is the only greyhound to go through the stake unbeaten, winning in 29.86, 29.80 and 29.78 but he faces his toughest test this evening. Drawn in three, he is clearly a big player but may need another paw-perfect effort to land the €3,500 prize.

Standing in his way is fastest semi-final winner Skilled Sean, the very capable Fahy Shop and the strong running trio of Lahinch Toby, Freffans Tess and Kilbride Duchess. Any of the six could come out on top but the nod goes the way of Marcella Campbell’s Home Darragh. He has been so consistent at boxes and is perhaps the most likely pace-setter again. Of his rivals, Freffans Tess will be finishing fastest and can emerge a danger, while Skilled Sean would also be a big player if reproducing last week’s impressive effort.  

WESTWAY ROSSA CAN BOUNCE BAXK TO WINNING FORM

Barry Drake

The semi-finals of the Shelley Fennelly Memorial Open Bitch Stake are the standout races at Curraheen Park tonight.

The €5,000 to the winner event got off to a flying start last weekend, and it promises to produce more top-class racing over the next two weeks.

Westway Rossa, trained by Damian Maginn for owner Henry Scimia, is selected to bounce back to winning form in the opening heat. The nine-time winner has some sensational performances in the book, and although below her best last week, from the rails pitch this time around, she is selected to make every yard of the running. The selection looks like the certain early leader and from the front in this, she shouldn't be for catching.

The Graham Holland-trained Rural Ana stayed on well in the closing stages to land the spoils last week. A 28.61 winning performance, the August puppy is another with leading claims. If turning close, which looks likely, she should then make them all go.

In the second semi-final, Magical On Fire lands a narrow vote for Patrick Guilfoyle. The classy sort set the standard in the opening round, showing real pace and power to win, in 28.31. The only concern is that she's not the quickest of starters; however, if she can turn in a handy position, she will take the world of beating. The Michael O'Donovan-trained Hackey Tango, a 28.60 winner last week, is another that should be in the mix throughout.

BROWNE TO BOUNCE BACK IN FAYPOINT SEAN @ STUD TREATY CUP DECIDER

Peter Farrell

With the TIME Club Graders Derby now done and dusted for 2025, attention turns to another huge final at Limerick Greyhound Stadium later tonight as the Faypoint Sean @ Stud Treaty Cup Open 350 reaches its conclusion.

Kindly sponsored by Chris Flanagan, this event has again produced the most thrilling action over the past number of weeks, and we are privileged to have a sensational lineup of the Country’s finest sprinters go in search of the €5,000 prize tonight.

Of the sextet, the eye is immediately drawn to Stonepark Browne, who smashed the track record in round two of this event. The Michael O’Donovan-trained star was turned over in the semis seven days ago, however, the draw was not on his side on that occasion and the tables have certainly turned in that respect ahead of the decider. Indeed, Michael Sean O’Dwyer’s tracker has been handed a brilliant trap one draw in the final and with that, he is very much the one to beat. A sensational 18.12 winner in round two, he lost little in defeat behind Highview Ben last weekend after negotiating that tricky draw and those in attention can be forgiven for expecting a trap-to-line victory in the showpiece later tonight. If that is the case, the son of Malachi could again shake his own clock from two weeks prior.

BUCKLEY DOUBLE-HANDED

Despite Stonepark Browne being much superior on the clock, this is a top-class final and the Pat Buckley-trained duo of Road Exile and Southwind Wild have big claims. The former returned to winning ways last time out as he posted 18.58 and with that, the son of Droopys Sydney sealed a thirty-fourth career victory. An ultra-consistent performer, a fast start can certainly see the ‘Exile’ go close, however, he must clear his kennel companion on the run to the bend. Southwind Wild, meanwhile, was forced to settle for second behind Road Exile in the semis, however, he is showing signs of a return to his best form. William Wood’s tracker has an 18.46 best around Limerick and he has a potentially good draw in four, if trapping to his best ability. A dark horse in the decider, don’t be surprised if ‘Wind’ continues a recent purple patch for Buckley, who landed a one-two in last weekend’s Corn Cuchulainn at Shelbourne Park.

BEN CAN MAKE BOLD BID

Another greyhound capable of staking a real claim is the Paraic Campion-trained Highview Ben. The son of Pat C Sabbath clocked a sensational 28.14 around Limerick prior to throwing his cap into the ring over the two-bend trip. That proved an astute move by Campion as he downed Stonepark Browne in the semis when posting 18.52 off the front. Drawn in three, he will once again bid to get first run on his rival and he is certainly one that will attract interest in the betting ring.

LIVELY OUTSIDERS

That leaves Petshop Farewell and Onthe Run Ollie, both of which more than merit their position in the decider. The former, trained by Maurice Organ for Pat Morrissey, was a brilliant 18.62 winner in round one, however, has been on the receiving end of a rough passage in subsequent rounds thereafter. Drawn in six, the son Ballymac Best is due a slick exit and if doing so, can make the frame. Onthe Run Ollie is the big outsider and will require luck for Alan O’Toole and Padraig O’Lore. The striking fawn has been finishing well over the sprint distance in recent weeks and will rely on capitalizing on any potential traffic.

DOWN TO THE NITTY GRITTY IN CENTENARY AGRI TIPP CUP

Peter Farrell

We’re getting down to the business end of proceedings in the Centenary Agri Tipperary Cup at Thurles and tonight will see the final twelve bid to book their spot in the €7,200 to the winner event in seven days’ time.

Tarsna Maasai set the standard in last week’s second round and Geoff Parnaby’s star lines out in the second semi final tonight, where he will be expected to come through with flying colours. The son of Droopys Sydney shaved the guts of three lengths off his time from the opening round and he now looks cherry-ripe for a real tilt at this flagship event at Thurles. A winner in 28.72 last time out, he again dons his favoured striped jacket and sectionals suggest that he will run to a virtual solo for his Borrisoleigh handler. Of his main rivals, Cagey Billy is the obvious threat for Christopher Delaney. The classy brindle landed his second-round assignment in 28.90 when coming from off-the-pace and he will bid for a clear passage early on and perhaps follow Tarsna Maasai into the back. Should this be the case, the son of Pestana should comfortably book a place in the feature next weekend. Timmys Bucks is another with strong qualification claims. Yet to raise a flag thus far, the son of Burgess Bucks stays strongly and he has the ‘know-how’ to navigate his way into the frame from trap three. Elsewhere, Cabra Chief has a bit to find in trap one, while Holiday Beebee and Moorstown Brett certainly have the speed to get involved, however, will need to produce their best efforts in order to enter calculations.

BLUE CAN BOUNCE BACK

While Boylesports Blue failed to build on what was a sensational opening round performance last weekend, he remains the one to beat in the opening semi.

After posting 28.51 in the opening round, Boylesports Blue went to traps as the 4/6 favourite last time out, however, a troublesome passage saw him finish third behind Borna Thyme. That said, the Paul Hennessy-trained star lost little in defeat and remains the selection to turn the tables on his rivals. Drawn in four, the son of Ballymac Cashout would have preferred a pitch closer to the rails, however, with a clear run would be too strong for his rivals. Borna Thyme is the obvious threat after he sealed a seventh career win when posting a rapid 28.80 last time out. Ruairi Dwan’s charge made every inch on that occasion and his consistent sub 1.70 sectionals suggest he will again be the one to catch in this contest. Of the others, there is certainly more early speed in this contest with Cabra Keiser expected to contest on the run-up, while Ballybough Olwyn has shown a nice turn of early pace in his last two starts also. Moorstown Knight, however, looks the most likely to seal the final qualifying position for Joseph O’Flaherty in six. He made Borna Thyme work extremely hard last time out when clocking an estimated 28.83 and he has taken to Thurles like a duck to water. The remaining runner is Jim By Two who caught the eye to the halfway mark behind Tarsna Maasai last weekend and has no forlorn hope of booking one of those all-important spots in the decider next weekend. 

CONNECT 6 AND TOTE GUARANTEES

Ian Fortune

This Saturday’s Connect 6 Jackpot pool will be guaranteed to €5,000. The full configuration can be seen below.

A full list of the weekend guarantees is also carried below.

SATURDAY, JULY 5TH

Cork

Shelly Fennelly Memorial Open Bitch Semi Final Minimum Trio Guarantee €400

Hit or Bust (selected race) Guaranteed €400 

Dundalk

Hit or Bust (selected race) Guaranteed €200 

Galway

The Race Entries by Text A6/A7 525 Final Minimum Trio Guarantee €150

Pick 4 Jackpot Races 5 – 8 Guaranteed €200

Hit or Bust (selected race) Guaranteed €400 

Limerick

Faypoint Sean @STUD Treaty Cup Open 350 Final Minimum Trio Guarantee €250

Pick 4 Jackpot Races 4 – 7 Please ask Operative for Guarantee

Hit or Bust (selected race) Guaranteed €300 

Mullingar

Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby Trial Stakes A1 550 Minimum Trio Guarantee €200

Pat Curtain Memorial Cup A4/A5 525 Final Minimum Trio Guarantee €200

Pick 5 Jackpot Races 5 – 9 Guaranteed €800

Hit or Bust (selected race) Guaranteed €200 

Shelbourne

2025 Boylesports Champion Stakes Final Minimum Trio Guarantee €1,500

2025 Boylesports Champion Plate Final Minimum Trio Guarantee €1,500

Celtic Cooling Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Final Minimum Trio Guarantee €1,000

Pick 5 Jackpot Races 4 – 8 Guaranteed €500

Hit or Bust (selected race) Guaranteed €200 

Thurles

Hit or Bust (selected race) Guaranteed €200 

Tralee

Hit or Bust (selected race) Please ask Operative for Guarantee 

Waterford

Pick 4 Jackpot Races 5 – 8 Guaranteed €300

Hit or Bust (selected race) Guaranteed €200

SHELBOURNE LIVE ON SIS

Ian Fortune

Don’t forget, those that can’t make it to Shelbourne Park this evening can watch all the action live via www.sisracing.tv . The opening race is set to go off at 7.34pm.