KIRBY CLASSIC REACHES BOILING POINT AS QUARTER-FINAL FIREWORKS AWAIT

Peter Farrell

We’re getting down to the nitty gritty in the 2026 Con & Annie Kirby Memorial, and tonight the remaining 24 runners will battle for a place in next week’s semi-finals.

So far, the Classic has oozed quality, with sub-28-second performances recorded in each of the opening two rounds.

Both Ballydoyle Tina and Bouncing Monarch have emerged as standout performers, and tonight’s second heat offers a real treat with the pair drawn alongside one another. Both have dipped under the coveted 28-second barrier, and opinion is sure to be divided as to who will emerge victorious tonight. Elsewhere, Ballymac Setanta remains the outright favourite despite a shock second-round defeat and will aim to get back on track in heat three, while Bockos Gold and Getup The Boy are expected to start as short-priced favourites in their respective contests.

Although all four quarter-finals are fiercely competitive, the headline act is undoubtedly the clash between Bouncing Monarch and Ballydoyle Tina. The former, representing the UK, has been a model of consistency, recording two sub-28-second victories and building an aggregate winning margin of five and a half lengths. Trained by Michael O’Donovan, he has also shown versatility, winning from traps one and four. Now housed in trap two, he looks well placed, though he must contend with the blistering early pace of Beanos Yank on his immediate inside. That said, Ballydoyle Tina just gets the nod. Owned by Seamus Hagan and Paul Ellis, she has sharpened her trapping significantly in recent outings, an asset that could prove decisive. Her 1.23 sectional, recorded en route to a blistering 27.87 success, remains unmatched, and a repeat performance would likely see her lead. From there, she would take serious catching. Beanos Yank could enter the equation with a fast start, while Ballymac Chantry is expected to finish strongly. Droopys Map and Montana Secret also bring credible claims but can ill-afford any mistakes.

SETANTA TO BOUNCE BACK

Ballymac Setanta was turned over at odds of 1/2 last time, but he is well positioned to return to winning ways for Liam Dowling in heat three.

The high-class performer remains joint favourite for the overall title and can be forgiven for his latest defeat, having been drawn on the outside of the powerful Bockos Gold and failing to break as fluently as usual. A move to trap four may prove beneficial, particularly in a contest that is heavily stacked towards stamina rather than early dash. If he finds his rhythm, he is likely to take control early and reassert himself as a leading contender in the Classic. Ballycowen Frank, trained by Michael O’Donovan, looks the chief danger after a strong staying performance in defeat behind Getup The Boy last weekend. A switch to the red jacket should suit, offering more room in the early stages. Ello Ello, unbeaten so far, has been one of the breakthrough performers in this year’s renewal but faces a tricky draw in trap five. Even so, his raw ability could still see him make the frame. Ballymac Duffle will be finishing strongly, while Riverside Rex showed marked improvement last time and could progress further. Hackney Buck, meanwhile, may need things to fall his way.

BOCKOS TO STRIKE GOLD

Bockos Gold puts his unbeaten record on the line in the opening heat, and Graham Holland’s runner looks the standout selection across the four heats.

Weighing in at 86 pounds, he proved far too strong for Ballymac Setanta last time, asserting dominance from an inside draw. From trap two tonight, a similar scenario could unfold, particularly with Grouchos Cossie on his inside unlikely to trouble him early. If breaking well, he should be able to establish a decisive lead down the back straight. Ballymac Gwennie rates the principal threat. Also from the Liam Dowling kennel, she has displayed notable pace and finished within three-quarters of a length of Bockos Gold in round one. Capable of both a fast start and a powerful finish, she could pose a serious challenge if in close contention turning for home. Shudacudawouda is taken to fill the final qualifying position, having shown significant improvement last time despite a difficult draw. Waitingforastar continues to progress but must improve at the traps, while Grouchos Cossie and Rapido Ivy may require favourable racing luck to feature.

BOY CAN GET UP

Derby-winning trainer Mark Robinson appears to have Getup The Boy in peak condition, and he sets the standard in the final heat of the night.

A proven performer on the big stage, he has shown no signs of rust in this competition, delivering two eye-catching displays. His 28.03 run last weekend underlined his credentials, and a favourable draw in trap two offers another opportunity to dominate. Even if challenged early by the pacey Jaykay Fly in trap one, his strength through the latter stages should prove decisive. Jaykay Fly is the obvious danger, having posted a career-best 28.22 when chasing home Bouncing Monarch last time. Better drawn this weekend, a sharp start could see him apply pressure throughout. Cushie Flytplan is another with strong claims after an impressive 28.22 victory last Saturday, and from trap three he has the platform to build on that effort. Boozed Wish has scintillating early speed but must bring his A-game to the table, while Canavour Bucko and Powerhouse Major could come into contention from wider draws.

SEAN O’ CONNOR ACTION ON THE UNDERCARD

Aside from the Kirby action, the opening round heats of the Sean O’Connor Memorial A1 525 gets underway and this will no doubt prove hugely entertaining over the course of the next few weeks.

In heat one, the talented Tinahue Pappone returns to defend his crown having landed the 2025 running of the event. Owned by John Fox, the son of Toker Forest remains a classy tracker and he has a lovely draw in one to make a winning start. His rivals include Downtothewire, who was luckless in the Kirby, and the very consistent Surprise Reunion.

Gaytime Teco was on the receiving end of a bumpy ride last time out, however, Graham Holland’s tracker looks the one to beat in heat two. A winner on debut in 28.58, the son of Roaming Turbo followed that up with two solid trial efforts and while inexperienced, can flourish in this company. Radical Dreamer looks the main threat for Ger Hutton and Thomas O’Donovan.

Murt Leahy is represented in heat three by Jims Gem and he gets the vote to get back to winning ways. Drawn perfectly in red, the blue-brindle performed well in the Kirby and this represents an ease in class. Rivals include Ballinabola Pixie and Chestnut Bonny.

The concluding heat in round one can see Youandme Babe seal a fourteenth career success for Paul Hennessy and Paul Hynes. The daughter of Ballymac Cashout is top-class on her day and this is a modest contest in comparison to recent starts. She will also benefit from a trap one berth and looks likely to produce a big performance as a result. Rallying Billy is the main threat for Dan Flynn and Christopher Delaney having produced some encouraging performances in two rounds of the Kirby Classic.