Ballymac Setanta underlined his status as the ante-post favourite for the BAR 1 Betting Irish Greyhound Laurels with a breathtaking track record performance in the opening round at Curraheen Park on Saturday night.
Owned and trained by Kerry trainer Liam Dowling, the brilliant son of Ballymac Kingdom and Ballymac Art produced a flawless display in heat five, breaking the track record with an outstanding time of 27.75. Drawn in trap one, Ballymac Setanta exploded from the boxes and quickly took command of the contest, displaying exceptional early pace before powering clear of his rivals.
Last year’s BAR 1 Betting Irish Greyhound Laurels finalist had previously equalled the track record when posting 27.81 in 2024, but on this occasion went six spots faster to etch his name into the history books. Arriving in Cork in peak condition following impressive recent victories, including success in the Michael Fortune Memorial Plate at Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium on Irish Greyhound Derby Final Night, Ballymac Setanta delivered a performance befitting a leading Laurels contender.
Liam Dowling completed a remarkable double when Solo And Go, last year’s Laurels runner-up, produced another high-class display in heat nine. Racing for the Kingdoms Palace Syndicate (whose members include Kerry Senior Footballer brothers David & Paudie Clifford), the heavily supported favourite made all the running to clock 28.05, finishing four and a half lengths clear of kennel companion Ballymac Linx.
Eyes on the Laurels Crown
While a host of talented greyhounds advanced through the opening round, the night unquestionably belonged to Ballymac Setanta. His record-breaking run announced him as the greyhound to beat in this year’s Laurels and provided a thrilling start to one of Irish greyhound racing’s premier competitions.
With the competition now gathering momentum, racing fans can look forward to the next round as the battle for The BAR 1 Betting Irish Greyhound Laurels glory intensifies which continues on Saturday 3rd October. Gates open from 6.30pm and further details can be found on www.CurraheenParkGreyhoundStadium.ie
