EASTER CUP TIME IN DUBLIN

Ian Fortune

The 2026 Shelbourne Bookmakers Easter Cup will tonight get underway at Shelbourne Park.

A reduced entry is somewhat disappointing, as perhaps is the overall quality, but there is no doubt the oldest classic on the calendar could yet provide some truly outstanding racing.

Certainly, if the big guns produce their best through the competition, there is potential for things to get very hot very quickly.

TANK SET TO FIRE

The layers believe that the Paul Hennessy trained Lennies Tank is the one to beat and it’s easy to see why but he faces a tricky opening around assignment this evening in Heat 3.

He made his debut over the 550yd Derby trip last weekend and lost his chances at traps but ran encouragingly in behind.

He is capable of going up with the fastest in training and is likely to put that tardy start behind him. If doing so, he could quickly emerge as the one to beat from five. There are some exceptional performers amongst his rivals, however.

Ormer Juvenile Derby champion and Derby third Callaway Knegare actually finished in front of Lennies Tank last week and is a leading contender from three, while last year’s Shelbourne 600 champ Ballyhooly Bruno returns to action after a couple of decent trial spins.

But the main threat comes in the form of Droopys Faithful. She established herself as one of the very best females in training last year and ended 2025 with a brilliant Winter Racing Festival Championship 575 success. She posted 18.63 in a sprint trial last weekend, suggesting she is ready to go.

The very capable Gallant Captain and Crossfield Dean complete a quality line-up but Lennies Tank should be ready to produce something close to his best. He can get first run on Droopys Faithful and Callaway Knegare to begin his Easter Cup campaign with victory.

MATI CAN DOWN ROMEO

Paul Hennessy could also have a big say in the opening heat with Priceless Romeo perfectly housed in the stripes.

An eyecatcher in his comeback outing seven days ago, he seems certain to play a big part in proceedings but the nod just goes to Hackney Mati.

He hinted on a few occasions last year that he could develop into a star. He makes his 2026 debut in this contest but Michael O’Donovan is likely to have the son of Droopys Sydney forward. The presence of the unbeaten Miami Hyland on his immediate inside in one is not ideal with the latter clearly on an upward curve.

This is comfortably his toughest test yet but all signs would suggest he is ready for these deeper waters and he too must be respected. Harry Houdini and Timmys Bucks both boast some fine form around Shelbourne in the past but will need to be on their toes if they are to force their way into contention, while Munster raider Moorstown Knight is very strong but may struggle to land a blow.

Hackney Mati just gets the nod ahead of Priceless Romeo with Miami Hyland the potential fly in the ointment.

ALL EYES ON KATHLEEN

There is no more interesting runner in the classic than Droopys Kathleen.

She was clearly very special early in her career, capturing the imagination of the greyhound racing world but she has raced just three times since landing the Puppy Oaks in November 2024.

After persistent problems, she finally returned to action a fortnight ago and found herself behind dogs after a slow start. It will certainly act as a pipe-opener and many will be hoping she can show some of her old sparkle this evening.

Her task in Heat 2 has been made somewhat easier with the withdrawal of Crossfield Matt (under the weather), but she still faces some talented rivals including the in-form Boylesports Blue, Mydras Opinion and Lemon Hidalgo. Hackney Tango is also very capable on her day.

It will be interesting to see how the layers price up this contest with Droopys Kathleen likely to start a short favourite. Let’s hope she comes through the test and shows us exactly what she is capable of. She gets the verdict ahead of Lemon Hidalgo and Mydras Opinion.

MORE CASH FOR CHEQUE

Heat 4 is a wide-open affair with Cheque For Cash, Callaway Five and Coosane Pickles likely to dominate the betting.

Much will depend on the early exchanges but Cheque For Cash is the most likely pace-setter if fit and ready.

Callaway Five will attempt to match him in the early yards and has the benefit of a few recent outings, while Coosane Pickles will hop to turn close before powering home. De Bono Lad is no also ran but he faces a tough draw in four, while Hunters Pilot will be a big price from five.

Crossfield Roman is a non-runner in one, reported under the weather. On the strength of an ideal draw in two and the potential for an early advantage, Cheque For Cash is chosen to emerge on top but Coosane Pickles and Callaway Five are likely to push him right to the line.

NUA TO FOLLOW UP

Droichead Nua doesn’t often start favourite in AA0 class but after his latest brilliant display, he simply has to be kept a short price to follow up.

He has improved with age and is drawn to again make a bold bid.

The Shaun Conway trained star can fly up the fence to assert into the turn and, if doing so, will be very difficult to reel in. Standing in his way are the likes of Miami Hans, Lemon Orla, Lookandlep and Lennies Madge. Zippy Kolbe will be the outsider of the field but it’s worth pointing out he has a 28.19 return at Waterford.

Droichead Nua can dominate from the outset. Picking a likely runner-up is less easy with so many holding claims but Maimi Hans is young and progressive. With a slick exit, he could give the selection plenty to think about. The strong running Lennies Madge can pick up the piece and progress in third.

GENIE CAN PRODUCE MORE MAGIC

There was something very pleasing about the manner of victory for Rolo Genie in the semi-finals of the Sporting Press A3 525.

Tonight, the Barry Clancy trained youngster can capture the €1,750 decider with a similarly pleasing effort.

Blessed with proper early speed, he looks a certain leader and is chosen to make every inch at the expense of Saraghs Sadie and Town Hoffa.