QUALITY OVER QUANTITY IN ROMA CASINO IRISH CAMBRIDGESHIRE

Peter Farrell

While the 2026 renewal of the Roma Casino Irish Cambridgeshire has attracted just twelve entries, it is very much a case of quality over quantity, with two exceptional semi-finals set to take centre stage at Limerick Greyhound Stadium this Saturday.

The competition, which boasts a handsome winner's prize of €4,000, has long been regarded as one of the premier marathon events on the Irish racing calendar and this year's renewal looks another cracker. Heading the market is Lennies Desire, who appears the one they all have to beat.

Trained by Paul Hennessy, who has enjoyed tremendous success in this competition over the years, Lennies Desire has established himself as one of the country's leading six-bend performers. The son of Signet Ace has won six of his nine starts over the trip, including victory in the Two Wheel Training Open 750 at Curraheen Park, and arrives in peak form.

However, he faces a formidable line-up. Blackstone Cola already holds a victory over Lennies Desire, having lowered his colours in the Deise Plastering Novice 730 at Waterford, while Onthedoll commands plenty of respect after landing the WRF Open 850. Another runner sure to attract plenty of attention is the hugely exciting Droopys Map, who looks an exciting staying prospect and could develop into a major force over six bends.

With the opening round scheduled for Saturday, 8th August, a large crowd is expected at the Treaty venue for what promises to be a superb night's racing, with the Roma Casino Irish Cambridgeshire once again showcasing some of the finest stayers currently in training.