CENTENARY AGRI TIPP CUP OPENER DELIVERS IN STYLE

Peter Farrell

The 2026 running of the Centenary Agri Tipperary Cup looked one of the strongest editions in recent years beforehand, and it duly delivered, with high-quality performances across all five opening-round heats.

It proved a fruitful morning for both Liam Peacock and the Organised Chaos Syndicate, with both kennels registering doubles. Of the five heat winners, it was Oriental Prince who set the benchmark, posting a rapid 28.63 .20s.

A recent National Produce Stakes finalist, the Denise Ryan-trained runner was drawn in one of the hottest heats of the day but made light work of his rivals, powering to a comfortable five-length success. Sent off at 11/2, Oriental Prince was first to show from trap five and disputed the early lead with Lemon Herbie in four. With little between the pair rounding the second bend, it was at this point that the talented son of Coolavanny Hoffa and Newinn Willow turned the screw. Quickly opening a two-and-a-half-length advantage at halfway, ‘Prince’ grew stronger as the race progressed before emerging a convincing five-length winner over Lemon Herbie.

KING DOUBLES UP

Prior to Oriental Prince’s impressive display, litter brother Oriental King had kick-started what would become a double on the card.

Another easy-to-back winner at 9/2, Oriental King wasted little time in putting the contest to bed, breaking smartly from trap three. Avoiding early traffic, the strong-running performer was never under serious pressure from his chasing rivals. Holding a clear advantage throughout, Oriental King crossed the line four lengths clear of Granstown Tas in second. The winning time was 28.71 .20s

SELECT STAKES CHAMP TOO STRONG

Fresh from a superb victory in the final of a stacked Select Stakes at Waterford, Bogger Bob (2/1) returned to home soil for Heat Two and proved much too strong for his rivals in the closing stages.

Owned by Liam Peacock, the in-form performer is operating at the peak of his powers and, although only moderately away from trap one, there was an air of inevitability about his challenge as he turned third behind Boozed Wish and Tarsna Blaze. Storming up the inside of ‘Blaze’ approaching the penultimate bend, the son of Callaway Pro Am and Bogger Megan shifted through the gears in magnificent fashion. Despite being forced to switch wide around the final bend, he had far too much for the gallant Boozed Wish in the closing yards. It was another polished display from a greyhound at the top of his game, with the clock showing 28.89 .20s.

TRAP-TO-LINE FOR TOMMY

Shortly afterwards, Bogger Tommy completed an excellent double for Peacock in the concluding heat.

In contrast to Bogger Bob, ‘Tommy’ is renowned for his early speed and, despite The Other Wild being sent off the 4/5 favourite, the 6/1 chance pinged the lids to lead. The son of Glengar Bale and Bogger Ophelia then produced a front-running masterclass, opening a three-length advantage with only Bills Harbour in pursuit. Although the latter mounted a strong challenge approaching the business end, the damage had already been done as Bogger Tommy held on gamely to score by a length in 29.07 .20s.

LIBERTY KICKS OFF HEATS IN STYLE

The remaining heat, the curtain-raiser, was landed in equally impressive fashion by Liberty Sport.

Owned by Ned Lennon, Liberty Sport came into the event on the back of a sparkling 16.15 .10s trial around Kilkenny, making his starting price of 11/2 appear somewhat generous. Drawn in trap two, the son of Ballymac Cashout and Last Minute Lady broke well but was forced to settle for second early on as Droopys Punch set the pace. Always travelling strongly, Liberty Sport stalked his rival down the back straight before striking for home entering the penultimate bend. Once in front, Lennon’s charge quickly asserted, opening a three-and-a-half-length advantage before stopping the clock in 28.80 .20s.

Overall, it was a terrific opening round of one of the sport’s most popular competitions. On the evidence of the first-round heats, the Centenary Agri Tipperary Cup looks wide open and promises plenty more high-class action in the weeks ahead.