THREE-WAY THRILLER IN CENTENARY AGRI TIPPERARY CUP FINALE

Peter Farrell

The 2026 Centenary Agri Tipperary Cup reached a dramatic conclusion at Thurles Greyhound Stadium on Saturday night and, after three weeks of top-class racing, it was Indian Mist who emerged victorious in a thrilling three-way photo finish.

The €7,400-to-the-winner competition had produced outstanding performances throughout its various rounds, with finalists such as Oriental King and Bills Harbour taking centre stage at different points in the competition. However, when it mattered most, it was Gerry Holian's charge that timed his challenge to perfection to provide owner Brian O'Donnell with a major victory at the Premier venue.

As expected, there was plenty of pace on display in the early exchanges. Indian Mist narrowly headed Bogger Tommy at traprise, but Liam Peacock's runner quickly utilised his trademark early speed to edge through on the inside and seize control approaching the opening bend. From there, Bogger Tommy dictated matters expertly, taking a one-length advantage into the back straight from the chasing Indian Mist.

Bills Harbour, who had looked one of the standout performers throughout the competition, was also travelling ominously well. Showing tremendous back-straight pace, Battie O'Connor's youngster quickly improved into second and loomed menacingly behind the leader with a bold challenge developing approaching the third bend. Unfortunately for connections, that challenge came to an abrupt end when Bogger Tommy shut the door entering the bend, effectively ending Bills Harbour's hopes of landing the prestigious prize. With that danger averted, Bogger Tommy again established a narrow advantage and looked set to make every yard. However, Indian Mist was far from finished.

Having raced prominently throughout, Gerry Holian's charge began to turn the screw up the home straight, gradually eating into the deficit with every stride. At the same time, Paulstown Cash, who had been out with the washing in the early stages, produced another of his trademark power-packed finishes. Flying home down the outside, the Michael Donnelly, Willie Hanlon and Paul Byrne-owned runner suddenly threw his cap into the ring, ensuring a thrilling three-way finish. The judge was immediately called into action after the trio flashed past the winning line almost as one. Following an anxious wait, Indian Mist (Ballymac Cashout - Ballymac India) was confirmed the winner at odds of 10/3, prevailing by a short-head from the fast-finishing Paulstown Cash (6/1), with the gallant Bogger Tommy (7/1), who had led for much of the journey, just another short-head away in third. The winning time was 29.01.

Congratulations are extended to Gerry Holian, owner Brian O'Donnell and all the winning connections on a thoroughly deserved success. Credit must also go to Centenary Agri, whose continued sponsorship has helped ensure the Tipperary Cup remains one of the premier competitions on the Irish greyhound racing calendar.