DROMBEG BANNER IS THE CALLAWAY PRO AM @ STUD IRISH ST. LEGER CHAMPION

Peter Farrell

Kindly sponsored by Denis Murphy, the final of the Callaway Pro Am @ Stud Irish St. Leger was the feature event across the entire Country on Saturday night and it was landed by 20/1 chance Drombeg Banner as he handed eighteen-year-old Evan McAuliffe a memorable first Classic victory.

Prior to the showpiece, all the talk was whether or not Clonbrien Treaty could create history and become the first greyhound to win three St. Leger titles. However, at the other end of the pendulum was the narrative surrounding Evan McAuliffe, a young trainer who may have already tasted plenty of success thus far in his short career, but none of which to the magnitude of Saturday night. While Drombeg Banner went to traps as a 20/1 chance, he came out the right side of a judges call to etch his own piece of history in becoming the biggest priced winner (on record) of the Irish St. Leger.

DIEGO FAVOURITE

After a series of spectacular performances leading into the final, Hello Diego was a worthy favourite prior to the off and he was installed at odds of 11/10.

Next best was Clonbrien Treaty at 13/8, while Blastoff Heffo was chalked up at odds of 5/1. The rank outsiders were Flight Club at 12/1, Drombeg Banner at 20/1 and Cagey Billy at 25/1. At traprise, the complexion of the betting market was flipped on its head.

FLYING START

With all eyes firmly fixed on Clonbrien Treaty as the hare approached traps, it was soon evident that Graham Holland’s terrific blue had plenty on his plate as he made another tardy start from trap four. Both Hello Diego and Blastoff Heffo walked from their respective boxes, however, in contrast Flight Club, Cagey Billy and Drombeg Banner all came away racing. Of that trio, one greyhound immediately came to life in the early yards and that was Drombeg Banner as he took off on the run-up to post a sizzling 2.79 sectional. Meanwhile, Clonbrien Treaty showed off his explosive early speed to get on terms, however, he remained one length adrift of Drombeg Banner and it was another two lengths further back to Flight Club in third. The favourite, Hello Diego, trailed the field at this point and his Leger tilt was effectively over as a result.

ALL ABOUT BANNER

Setting a blistering gallop into the back, Evan McAuliffe’s charge held all the aces.

And in truth, Clonbrien Treaty made little impact into his two length lead and the son of Explosive Boy - Hazelhill Echo still maintained his advantage passing the 750-yard box. With Clonbrien Treaty now under pressure from the strong-running Flight Club, it was clear that Paul Hennessy and Carol O’Riordan’s powerhouse was to have a big say in concluding stages of the classic.

THRILLING FINISH

With Flight Club and Blastoff Heffo entering the equation on the approach to the final bend, Drombeg Banner would be required to pull out all the stops in order to secure a trap-to-line victory.

The challenge of Clonbrien Treaty was coming to an end at this point as the brilliant blue paid the price for a poor start, however, in contrast Drombeg Banner was showing serious heart as he maintained a powerful gallop with the winning line now in sight. Both Blastoff Heffo and in particular Flight Club were travelling at a rate of knots and the latter was to throw down one final challenge in the dying yards. With both Drombeg Banner and Flight Club crossing the line in tandem, the judge was called into action and it was Drombeg Banner that got the nod by the slenderest of margins. Indeed, this was the last time that Evan McAluliffe’s greyhound was in front but that mattered not as he stopped the clock in a brisk 29.57. Flight Club ran an incredible race in second, while Blastoff Heffo filled the podium in third.

THE RISE OF EVAN

Evan McAuliffe is a young man that has certainly caused ripples in the past year.

2024 saw him claim a first major success with Drombeg Pearl landing the €10,000 to the winner Fonez Galway Oaks. Fast-forward to 2025 and Drombeg Banner has now landed the €30,000 to the winner Irish St. Leger, a first classic for the young handler. A regular winner around both Galway and Limerick, Evan is a trainer whose stock continues to rise and don’t be surprised if further major success was to follow in the months ahead.

Sponsor Denis Murphy presents the trophy to Evan McAuliffe after Drombeg Banner won the 2025 Callaway Pro Am At Stud Irish St Leger at Limerick, and Pat Flanagan Chairman GRI presents the Breeders trophy to Bredge McAuliffe on behalf of breeder Pat O'Connell. Also included are Tim Lucey CEO GRI, Fergal, Kayla and Graham McAuliffe, Bridget and Michael Carmody and John Murphy.     Pic: Imelda Grauer