FINAL: SATURDAY 13th JUNE 2026
RACE PROGRAMME
WELCOME TO
Shelbourne Greyhound Stadium Ltd., Dublin 4 Reservations: 061 448080
Licensed by and under Rules of Racing of Rásíocht Con Éireann.
Meeting Date:
Meeting No :
MEET THE TEAM
Racing Manager: Dylan Brennan, Conor Matthews
Leinster Regional Racing Manager: Michael Dempsey
Control Steward: Conor Byrne
Vet Surgeon: Clare Meaney & Shane Nagle
Hare Controllers: Dave McDermott, David Turner
Starters: Derek Garvey, Dave Turner, Thomas Shields
Judge: Anthony Power
General Manager: Dara Geraghty
Tote Operations Manager: Linda Conroy
Stewards of the Meeting: C. Matthews, D. Brennan, C. Byrne, M. Dempsey, F. Kieran, J. Black, M. Maguire, D. Turner.
All GRI Officials in Attendance
Next Meeting Date:
D. J. Histon Keeper of the Irish Greyhound Stud Book
Fáilte
On behalf of the Executive Committee of the ICC, we extend a heartfelt welcome to all owners, trainers, breeders, stud keepers and greyhound enthusiasts joining us here tonight for the final of the Sporting Press Online Edition Irish Oaks 2026.
As proud sponsors, we take great pride in how this year’s series has come to life. Widely considered one of the most fiercely contested finals in living memory, the 2026 Irish Oaks features an exceptional field in which the result remains genuinely open. This event saw the magical 28-second barrier broken, a feat not easily achieved in a classic. The Sporting Press holds the distinction of being the longest-established greyhound publication in any racing jurisdiction, and we are deeply honoured to have been associated with this prestigious classic for female greyhounds across 35 memorable years. This milestone year also marks the fifth anniversary of the Sporting Press Online Edition, a platform that continues to attract a growing readership and is available each Tuesday evening from 8pm.
The Irish Oaks stands as the definitive showcase for the finest female talent in the sport, reflecting the health and depth of our breeding future. This season has not disappointed, with a string of breathtaking performances delivered by elite bitches in training drawn from the top breeders and trainers.
Our sincere gratitude is extended to Declan O’Donoghue for his outstanding weekly coverage, which has kept our readers informed, entertained and engaged from start to finish. We also wish to recognise the valuable contributions of Ian Fortune, Tommy Lyons, Barry Drake and Jason Craddock, along with the team at GRI HQ.
We would also like to pay tribute to Imelda Grauer, our dedicated and talented photographer, whose lens has so beautifully preserved the special moments that define this competition year after year.
The ICC is steadfast in its support of the Irish Oaks, fully appreciating that breeding forms the very bedrock of our sport. The long-term health of greyhound racing rests on the quality of our brood bitches and the passion of our breeders. It is more important than ever to celebrate and acknowledge the indispensable role owners, breeders, stud keepers and trainers play in keeping our industry strong and vibrant.
In closing, we wish to express our appreciation to Dylan Brennan, Michael Dempsey, Conor Matthews, and every member of the team at Shelbourne Park for producing yet another truly unforgettable Sporting Press Online Edition Irish Oaks.
We wish every finalist the very best of luck this evening and look ahead with great anticipation to seeing their offspring carry on the tradition and grace these tracks in the years to come.
D.J. Histon, Chief Executive/Secretary
25 years ago: Marinas Tina won in 2001
by Anne Marie O’Brien 2001
HAVING won the Sporting Press Irish Oaks in 2000, all eyes were on the CAC Syndicate’s Marinas Tina (Staplers Jo – Tina Marina) when the draw was made for the 2001 renewal.
She qualified in third from her first-round heat, with trainer Seamus Graham that she was a ‘bit wristy’ and had a slight hind muscle problem, but they were happy to have seven days between each round – and she was 6/1 second favourite with layer Ted Hegarty, with Michael Dalton’s Airport Express 5/1. However she won her second-round heat in 28.88, bouncing right back to form, and followed up with a 28.87 win in the third round, which put her at 7/4 second favourite by the semi-final stage, with Tinys Bud at 6/4.
Marinas won that battle and was a hot 1/2 favourite for the final, drawn in trap one, and one of three finalists for Seamus Graham, who also had Twenty To Ten in trap four and wide seed Fast Lizzy out in trap six.
When she won the final in a flying 28.60, she became just the second bitch to win the Irish Oaks twice, the other being Peaceful Lady, who won in 1952 and 1953.
It was Seamus Graham’s third time to win the Oaks, having also triumphed in 1995 with Cool Survivor. After the final, he told the Sporting Press that at the start of the classic, he felt she had no chance of winning because she had lost her dash to the bend, however after getting her looked at, they discovered the problem and then didn’t gallop her at all during the Oaks, to keep her sound.
10 years ago: Witches Belle, 2016 winner
IT’S hard to believe that it’s 10 years since Witches Belle won the Oaks for Edel Twomey of Midleton, Co. Cork, and her husband, trainer Liam, with her name featuring prominently in track results every week courtesy of her many successful progeny raced by Liam.
The Twomey family have been involved in dogs for many years but Witches Belle was their first major winner, as they had previously bred and sold dogs that ran in classics. They bought the Feb. ’14 daughter of Droopys Scolari – Lemon Belle from Tom Lennon, and first won the Joe Dunne Memorial at Shelbourne Park with her, then ran her in the Kirby Memorial at Limerick, finishing third in the final.
She ran up her Oaks semi-final to 28.38 heat winner Siderian Pearl, and the middle seed went off at 6/1 from trap six in a star-studded Oaks final which had Sidarian Pearl priced as 1/2 favourite and subsequent Derby runner-up Holycross Leah at 4/1.
After breaking well, Witches Belle and Leamaneigh Mags made a serious battle of it along the back straight, with Owen McKenna’s Leamaneigh leading to the third bend, but Witches got ahead around the last and crossed the line in 28.44, by a margin of two and a half lengths and won by three-quarters of a length, in 28.47. Hovex was second and Ravenswood Emily third.
Liam Twomey and his wife Edel with Witches Belle, winner of the Sporting Press Irish Oaks in 2016
Sporting Press Trackside With Declan O’Donoghue A1 575
Cian Gleeson/Martin Curran (Ardmore)
MAIDEN DERBY 2026
1ST ROUNDS
Saturday 13th June
HEAT 1
T1 RIVERSIDE REX
T2 SLICK SABRE
T3 BALLYMAC MALINAS
T4 BALLINABOLA PIXI
T5 CASHOUT GIRL
T6 UNCLE KEITH (W)
HEAT 2
T1 HACKNEY PUB
T2 JACKTAVERN BULL
T3 OUTLAW OSCAR
T4 SLEIGHT OF HAND
T5 MAGICAL JET
T6 A CHARDA (M)
HEAT 3
T1 CALLAWAY RYDER
T2 BROTHER THOMAS
T3 MUSIC INTHE AIR
T4 GAYTIME TECO
T5 TUBBER ACE
T6 YACHT VIEW (M)
HEAT 4
T1 MIAMI HYLAND
T2 GALLANT CAPTAIN
T3 HARVARD SQUARE
T4 WEST COAST COOL
T5 OLD ALASKA (M)
T6 BODERN ACE (M)
Sporting Press Photos By Imelda Grauer AAO
€21,500 Shelbourne Maiden Derby R1 H1
Miss Breda Boyle/Master Patrick Sheehy
Guaranteed to a minimum gross amount of CONTINUES THIS WEEKEND
€14,000
Sporting Press Previews By Jason Craddock
OSCAR
Sporting Press Thank To Our Readers & Advertisers
Lexus
Celebrating 35 years of IRISH GREYHOUND OAKS
sponsorship in 2026
We would like to thank all our readers and advertisers. Without your support, this sponsorship would not be possible.
Sporting Press Profiles By Cormac Thompson AAO
€21,500 Shelbourne Maiden Derby R1 H4
Summer Cup AO 525
PICTURED WITH MARIE GILBERT
BEAUTIFUL PAUL
OWNER: KILDARE-BOYS-ON-TOUR-SYNDICATE
TRAINER: MARIE GILBERT
BREEDER: BRENDAN MATTHEWS
PICTURED WITH TIMOTHY HOLLAND
NEWINN SPOT
OWNER: KENNY GLEN
TRAINER: GRAHAM HOLLAND
BREEDER: SHARI-ANNE O’DONNELL
PICTURED WITH ROBERT GLEESON
CARRICK BECKS
OWNER: THOMAS GLYNN
TRAINER: ROBERT G. GLEESON
BREEDER: SEAN DUNPHY
PICTURED WITH ADRIAN DONOVAN
SHANAHEE BOOMER
OWNER: BATE-THE-DITCH-SYNDICATE
TRAINER: KIERAN LYNCH
BREEDER: ADRIAN DONOVAN
PICTURED WITH GERRY MERRIMAN
COOLEMOUNT SPY (M)
OWNER: A-B-M-LEGENDS-SYNDICATE
TRAINER: GERRY MERRIMAN
BREEDER: DOLORES MERRIMAN
PICTURED WITH SEAN DOOLEY
KILCOLGAN EDDIE (W)
OWNER: KAREN GEOGHEGAN
TRAINER: NEILUS O’CONNELL
BREEDER: KAREN GEOGHEGAN
Shelbourne Summer Cup AO 525 Final
Total Prizefund €28,500 Current AO
CARRICK BECKS
IRISH OAKS - ROLL OF HONOUR
Kamala gets the Oaks final vote
Jason Craddock previews the 2026 2020 SPOR ONLINE IRISH OAKS FINAL Gift Voucher SportingPress
1 Clan Sapphire 9/2
2 Lennys Ash 8/1
3 Rapido Ivy 5/1
4 Ballymac Kamala 1/1
5 Highview Carol 10/1
6 Ballymac Gwennie 4/1
Ballymac Kamala is fancied to a complete an unbeaten run through the Sporting Press Online Edition Irish Oaks with victory in this €25,000 decider. Liam Dowling’s bitch broke the 28-second barrier three times in succession including twice in the early rounds, but slower starts have seen her come from off the pace to win in both quarter and semi-final. She walked out of traps last week and came from five lengths behind Clan Sapphire to score by a head in 28.20sec, the fastest time of the session. Her best sectional times have come from when she is drawn in middle to wide traps, so four in this final should prove no hindrance. She is clearly the fastest in the final and if keeping out of trouble, then she is the one to beat.
Clan Sapphire made the selection work hard for her win last week. Francie Murray’s bitch is out of an Oaks and Derby winner in Susie Sapphire and has early speed to burn. She looks to be coming to hand at the right time and will try to give them the slip in the early stages.
Rapido Ivy is another who will be trying to establish an early lead. Peter Cronin’s bitch bounced back from her quarter-final defeat to make all last week in 28.28sec. She moves off the rail into trap three and will need to clear Clan Sapphire by the turn for her best chance of success.
Ballymac Gwennie can have her moments and is well drawn as the sole wide seed. Liam Dowling’s bitch, a first-round winner in 28.23sec, does have a decent break in her armoury and if the railers come together, she could capitalise.
After pulling off a shock in the English Derby, who would rule out Paul Hennessy with Lennies Ash? The Ballymac Cashout bitch is the youngest in the final, being a September ’24 whelp, and possibly the strongest. She won in the second round in 28.33sec and has caught the eye running on from uncompromising positions to qualify in the last two rounds. Trouble up front would play into her paws.
Highview Carol is another fast finisher. Gerry Merriman’s bitch has been a model of consistency on the clock during this event and would be a hugely popular winner. She’ll go off the rank outsider but hasn’t much to find on the clock to make an impact.
CLAN SAPPHIRE
OWNER: HOWARD WALLACE TRAINER: FRANCIS MURRAY BREEDER: PETER COMERFORD
LENNIES ASH
OWNER: COCOMAN-CRAZE-IAN-SYNDICATE TRAINER: PAUL HENNESSY BREEDER: PATRICK GUILFOYLE
RAPIDO IVY
OWNER: MICHAEL CRONIN TRAINER: PETER CRONIN BREEDER: MICHAEL CRONIN
OWNER: LIAM DOWLING TRAINER: OWNER BREEDER: LIAM DOWLING
BALLYMAC KAMALA
HIGHVIEW CAROL (M)
OWNER: DOLORES MERRIMAN TRAINER: GERRY MERRIMAN BREEDER: DOLORES MERRIMAN
BALLYMAC GWENNIE (W)
OWNER: LIAM DOWLING TRAINER: OWNER BREEDER: LIAM DOWLING
Pictured with Francis Murray
Pictured with Sarah Hennessy
Pictured with Michael Cronin
Pictured with Daragh Sheehan
Pictured with Gerry Merriman
Pictured with Daragh Sheehan
Pics: Imelda Grauer
Sporting Press Online Edition Irish Oaks Final
Memorial Corn Cuchulainn Round 1 Heat 1
Gavin Nolan/Mr. Padraic Nolan
Rory McConnell (Co. Meath.
Memorial Corn Cuchulainn
Wnr €10500, 2nd €4000, 3rd €2000 HtWnr: €250 Unpl R1: €20 4 Qualify Entry Fee €66 Total Prizefund €23,000
1 Heat 2
Tp CGd BGd Form Guide T1 Rapid improver. Stayed on well over 575 trip May 15. Respected on 6-bend debut
Proven stayer. Blew away the cobwebs in recent starts. Must enter calculations 3-1
D0 D0 Capable type. A winner over this trip May 8 but may need to go faster to figure
D0
Improving lady. Ran well to score May 19. Must improve on latest form to score
T5 2025 Derby finalist. Could make a special stayer. His class can see him prevail 4-6 T6
Talented stayer last year. Returning after a layoff. Facing a tough comeback run 8-1 Win/Place:5 Selections Reverse Forecast: 5-2 Trio Always: 5-2-1
Mark Moore (Leopardstown)
Denis Higgins (Co. Tipperary.)
Roy Ruddy (Co. Tyrone.)
LEMON
Nolan, Abbeyfeale,Co.Limerick.
Memorial Corn Cuchulainn Round 1 Heat 3
Tp CGd BGd Form Guide
T1
Wnr €10500, 2nd €4000, 3rd €2000 HtWnr: €250 Unpl R1: €20 4 Qualify Entry Fee €66 Total Prizefund €23,000
Talented type. Ignore latest defeat when stumbling at boxes. Needs a fast start 9-2
Powerful lady. Has won over this trip in the past. Comes into this in good form 5-2
Near veteran. Retains plenty of ability. Collared late Jun 6. Can she get loose? 6-1
D1 D0 Out of the frame in recent outings. May need to step up on form to play a part 14-1 T5
Strong running lady. Fine run in defeat last time. Better to come. Don’t dismiss 4-1 T6
Hugely fast lady. Out of luck in only previous starts over this trip. Obvious claims 5-4 Win/Place:6 Selections Reverse Forecast: 6-2 Trio Always: 6-2-1
Press Page 6 For Sale And Wanted
Mr. Brendan O'Connell
AULTON CASH
ShelbournePark-FloatingReserves
Mr. James Melia (Co. Kildare W91 X6XY)
BELFAST GERRY
MAGICAL FIONA
ShelbournePark-FloatingReserves
DALAKHANI
SQUINTY MAGINTY
ShelbournePark-FloatingReserves
MAIREADS PRINCE
BALLYMAC SIUN
All Entries for Friday & Saturday Cards must be in before 9pm on Monday.
Via Text/WhatsApp System Only 085 8004891
ENTRIES FOR TUESDAY CARD MUST BE IN BEFORE 12 NOON ON FRIDAY
Any entries received for sweepstakes which do not fill an alternative place in a graded race will be found for entries unless otherwise instructed not to.
Tuesday 16th June
A5 NB 525 for 12 @€20 Winner €1,500 (Confined to no back – graders)
S2 350 for 6 @€20 Winner €500
S4/S5 350 for 6 @€20 Winner €400
A2 575/600 for 12 @€20 Winner €1,750
Friday 19th June
A1 550 for 12 @€20 Winner €2,000 (Never bettered AO)
AO 525 for 12 @€20 Winner €2,500 (No Back graders)
Saturday 20th June
Semi Finals of the Donal Beatty Corn Cuchulainn 750
Semi Finals of the Celtic Cooling ON1 525
Semi Finals Shelbourne Maiden Derby 550
Remainder of card completed with general pool entries entered!
Tuesday 23rd June
Monthly Novice ON2 525 for 24 @€20 winner €3,000
Monthly Novice ON3 525 for 12 @€20 winner €1,500.
Friday 26th June
Shelbourne Maiden Derby 550 Final:
Boylesports Champion Stake 550 for 18 (Final Saturday 4th July)
Boylesports champion plate 550 for 12 (Final Saturday 4th July)
Saturday 27th June
Final Celtic Cooling ON1 525
Final Donal Beatty Corn Cuchulainn 750
AAO 525 for 6 @€50 Winner €5,000 (Aug24 or Younger)
A1 525 for 6 @€50 Winner €2,000 (Aug24 or Younger -No back graders)
SSO 350 for 6 @€50 Winner €2,000
There will be 5 more graded races for 6 @€50 Winner €2,000 on the night!
Saturday 4th July
Time Irish Puppy Derby 525 for 48 @€50 Winner €25,000 (Confined to August24 Whelps or Younger)
Shelbourne Open 1025 yards for 6 @€50 Winner €1,000
• UNOFFICIAL TRIALS are Every MONDAY booking online only from 08.30am to 01.30pm. Unofficial Trial sheet goes online 10am on Fridays
• OFFICIAL TRIALS each race night prior to racing at 5.30pm Tuesday, Friday & Saturday Trials to be booked on www.grireland.ie
UNOFFICIAL TRIALS STRICTLY BOOKING ONLINE ONLY – THERE WON’T BE ANY EXCEPTIONS TO THIS, ANYONE WHO ARRIVES NOT BOOKED THE GROUND STAFF WILL BE FORCED TO REFUSE.
• Please note the only changes to unofficial trial sessions will be the weeks of Monday Bank Holidays where they will take place Tuesday 08.30am to 1.30pm
• If you book an unofficial trial slot and you can’t make it can the booking be cancelled to accommodate someone else…
Owners & trainers can request seeding on unraced greyhounds on approval after a qualifying trial at Shelbourne. OTHER TRACKS WON’T BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION.
