SEMI-FINAL BRILLIANCE SETS UP BLOCKBUSTER CON & ANNIE KIRBY DECIDER

Peter Farrell

The semi-finals of the 2026 Con & Annie Kirby Memorial 525 followed a familiar script, mirroring how the Classic has unfolded to date. Two high-quality contests produced standout performances , setting up what promises to be one of the most intriguing finals at Limerick in six days’ time.

There was an early setback ahead of the semi-finals, with Ballydoyle Tina withdrawn from the second semi final, reducing the field to five runners. In her absence, Bockos Gold delivered a flawless display, once again showcasing exceptional early pace and power to record a career-best performance for three-time Kirby-winning trainer Graham Holland. In the opening semi-final, Ballymac Setanta was equally impressive, scoring with authority and keeping Liam Dowling firmly on course for a first success in the prestigious event.

On the clock, it was Bockos Gold who set the standard. With Ballydoyle Tina missing from his immediate inside, the powerful black was sent off as the 5/6 favourite and justified that support in emphatic fashion, breaking sharply and asserting from the outset. Owned by the Jolly-Good-Company Syndicate, the March ’24 whelp had already posted notable early sectionals, and he improved again here, clocking a scarcely matched 1.21. The son of Coolavanny Hoffa quickly established a commanding lead as a result, aided by nearest rival Rapido Ivy losing her footing after an initial ping start from five. Bouncing Monarch gave chase in second, showing a fine turn of foot to close on the run-up, while Beanos Yank recovered from a slow start out wide to outpace Cushie Flytplan and move into a clear third by the second bend.

ANOTHER GOLDEN PERFORMANCE

Holding a length-and-a-half advantage down the back straight, Bockos Gold came under sustained pressure from Bouncing Monarch, with Beanos Yank also catching the eye as the trio began to draw clear. Recording a 15.03 third-bend sectional, Bockos Gold continued to dictate, though Bouncing Monarch briefly threatened to close the gap approaching the final two bends. Any such challenge was short-lived. Once straightening for home, Bockos Gold asserted once more, displaying huge determination to pull clear and win by two lengths. Bouncing Monarch again ran a remarkable race for his UK connections, finishing three and a half lengths ahead of his litter brother Beanos Yank in third. Cushie Flytplan and the unfortunate Rapido Ivy were left to fill fourth and fifth respectively, however, both have performed with distinction throughout the competition and remain ones to note for the major events later in the year. The winning time of 27.89 was a blistering effort from Bockos Gold, who heads into the final as the only unbeaten runner and a leading contender for outright honours.

SETANTA ASSAULT GATHERS MOMENTUM

Prior to that, Ballymac Setanta built on his 27.90 quarter-final victory with another commanding trap-to-line success, justifying 4/6 favouritism and reinforcing his status as the one to beat in the decider.

Incredibly, despite that standout 27.90 performance in the previous round, the runner-up effort of Ballymac Duffle somewhat overshadowed his kennel companion’s display on the night. Even so, Ballymac Setanta remains the leading force in this year’s Kirby and, while a stern test awaits in next week’s final, Liam Dowling’s charge continues to strengthen with each outing. Drawn in trap one, Ballymac Setanta looked a sure leader prior to the off and he duly delivered. Although only level at boxes, the son of Ballymac Kingdom and Ballymac Art quickly asserted, showing immediate acceleration to take control on the run-up, with Ballycowen Frank giving chase in second. Jaykay Fly, meanwhile, also showed notable improvement from trap two to get involved approaching the opening bend.

FLAWLESS SETANTA

Railing superbly at the first bend, Ballymac Setanta emerged with a length-and-a-half advantage entering the back straight, with Jaykay Fly in pursuit and Ballycowen Frank shuffled back to third under pressure from Getup The Boy, who was struggling for racing room early on. Once into the back straight, Dowling’s talented blue began to turn the screw, stretching clear of his rivals and asserting full control. Behind, the battle for the final qualifying position intensified, with crowding and traffic leaving the minor placings wide open. Out in front, however, Ballymac Setanta was simply relentless. Maintaining a sizzling gallop, he powered to the line with three and a half lengths to spare. Ballycowen Frank, despite encountering trouble, finished strongly to claim second, while Jaykay Fly held on for third, a short head further back, ensuring Paul Hennessy would also be represented in the final. A messy closing couple of bends proved costly for Ballymac Duffle, Waitingforastar and Getup The Boy, all of whom saw their Kirby hopes ended as a result. On the night, Ballymac Setanta was a deeply impressive winner, stopping the clock in a fast 27.97.

The all-important trap draw for the final of the €80,000-to-the-winner Con & Annie Kirby Memorial took place shortly after and it has certainly ensured a thrilling final awaits in six days time.

T1 - BOUNCING MONARCH

T2 - BEANOS YANK

T3 - BOCKOS GOLD

T4 - BALLYMAC SETANTA

T5 - BALLYCOWEN FRANK

T6 - JAYKAY FLY