KING BACK TO WINNING WAYS IN TIPPERARY CUP SEMIS

Peter Farrell

Saturday night's card at Thurles Greyhound Stadium featured the semi-finals of the Centenary Agri Tipperary Cup 525 and it was Oriental King who once again underlined his class, setting the standard for Denise Ryan and the Organised-Chaos Syndicate.

Oriental King was among the standout performers in the opening round when posting 28.71 on a track rated .20 slow and, despite finishing second last weekend, he lost little in defeat after going down by just a length and a half to the impressive Indian Mist. Drawn in the opening semi-final, 'King' was sent off the 9/4 second favourite behind Bogger Bob (15/8), but the race swung firmly in his favour at the opening bend. With Bogger Bob missing the kick before encountering severe traffic into the opening two bends, Indian Mist again showed his customary early pace to lead. However, Oriental King had nestled into second at this point and, once within striking distance, always looked the most likely winner. Ryan's charge quickly erased the one-length deficit down the back straight before sweeping to the front approaching the third bend. From there, the son of Coolavanny Hoffa asserted in trademark fashion, powering clear to score by two and a half lengths from the staying-on Paulstown Cash. Indian Mist held on for the final qualifying position in a blistering 28.71 (.40s).

BACK-TO-BACK FOR BILLS

The second semi-final saw Bills Harbour (Grangeview Ten - Rafas Friend) continue his impressive progression through the competition with another polished display for owner Battie O'Connor.

Having caused a 6/1 upset when winning in 28.64 on a track rated .40 slow last weekend, the July youngster was a much more respected 2/1 favourite this time around. As anticipated, the early pace came from Bogger Tommy in trap one, who broke sharply before showcasing his customary early speed to establish a one-length advantage over Bills Harbour entering the back straight. That lead proved short-lived, however. Showing a devastating burst of acceleration down the back straight, Bills Harbour surged alongside before taking control entering the third bend. With plenty of traffic developing behind, the contest quickly became a two-dog battle, but O'Connor's charge always looked in command thereafter. Staying on strongly, Bills Harbour crossed the line three lengths clear of Bogger Tommy in 29.01 (.40s), while Fleeting Moment claimed the final qualifying berth to ensure Gerry Holian will be represented by two runners in next week's decider.

The trap draw for the final of the 2026 Centenary Agri Tipperary Cup was made shortly after and is as follows:

T1 - ORIENTAL KING

T2 - FLEETING MOMENT

T3 - BOGGER TOMMY

T4 - BILLS HARBOUR

T5 - INDIAN MIST

T6 - PAULSTOWN CASH

*****

WILLIE MAHER MEMORIAL

Elsewhere on the card, the opening round heats of the Willie Maher Memorial A3/A4 525 provided an excellent supporting programme and it was Textamiright who set the standard for owner Daniel Maher.

Making every yard from trap rise, the son of Ballymac Cashout and Lamestep defeated his rivals by three lengths in a smart 29.20 (.40s). Other notable heat winners included Cabra Chief, who recorded 29.25 (.40s) for Paddy Scally, while Toms John Deere impressed for David Flanagan and the Three-K Syndicate in 29.38 (.40s). The Dwan Kennel also enjoyed a good evening as litter sisters Borna Wisp and Borna Bantam both landed their respective heats in commanding fashion. The remaining qualifier went to Bull Run Buggy, who finished strongly to deny his rivals for owner James Quinlan.