STRONG RENEWAL OF CENTENARY AGRI TIPPERARY CUP

Peter Farrell

A big crowd is expected to descend on Thurles Greyhound Stadium this morning as the opening-round heats of the 2026 Centenary Agri Tipperary Cup get underway.

Kindly sponsored once again by Centenary Agri of Thurles, the prestigious competition boasts a winner’s purse of €7,400, with a host of top-class trackers set to battle it out for one of the most popular provincial events on the greyhound racing calendar.

HEAT WATCH

There are five opening-round heats in total, with the first four greyhounds in each contest guaranteed progression to the next stage.

In heat one, the vote goes to Ned Lennon’s Liberty Sport in trap two. The son of Ballymac Cashout arrives in top form following a scorching 16.15 .10s trial around Kilkenny, a performance that suggests he is operating at the peak of his powers ahead of his Tipperary cup bid. A classy performer, he faces a strong line-up that includes Lemon Hidalgo and Tetra Destiny, but a slick exit could see him make every yard. Lemon Hidalgo, who reached the final of the Shelbourne Open 600, rates as the chief danger for Tom Lennon.

Bogger Bob can make a winning return to home turf in heat two following his impressive success in the recent Select Stakes at Waterford. Liam Peacock’s charge ran down one of the Kirby stars, Beanos Yank, in that decider and, from a favourable draw in trap one, should secure a handy early position before delivering his customary late flurry. Of his rivals, Droopys Orator makes the most appeal for Murt Leahy. The blue was caught close home by Cushie Flytplan at Shelbourne last time out and, although not the most prolific winner, looks well capable of qualifying from trap five.

Heat three appears one of the more open contests on the card, but Indian Mist gets the nod for Gerry Holian and Brian O’Donnell. He displayed excellent early pace when posting 28.41 around headquarters at the end of April and looks the most likely leader from an ideal draw in trap one. Coolanga Elite was a blistering 28.29 winner around Limerick last time out, albeit in A4 company, and remains open to further improvement, while Oriental King is another stepping up in grade but possesses undeniable ability.

The penultimate heat can see Droopys Map lay down a serious marker for Con Guiney. The son of Droopys Sydney is the reigning Connacht Derby champion and appears to have progressed further in recent months. His impressive 28.04 .20f trial around Tralee reads particularly well in the context of this contest and makes him the one they all have to beat. Oriental Prince commands respect after showing plenty of ability throughout the Produce Stakes at Clonmel, while Born Ranger is expected to improve on his recent trial effort and benefits from a favourable inside draw.

In the concluding heat, The Other Wild is expected to employ trap-to-line tactics for Jennifer O’Donnell. The son of Ballymac Wild looked a greyhound of considerable promise throughout 2025 but has endured a stop-start career despite his obvious talent. Blessed with exceptional early pace, he could prove very difficult to reel in if securing a clear lead. His recent 29.36 trial should leave him sharper for this assignment. Bogger Tommy is the most likely to challenge for the early advantage and boasts an admirable winning record, while Sawdust Barry also has the ability to play a major role from trap five.