The semi-finals of the 2026 BAR 1 Betting Irish Sprint Cup took place at Dundalk Stadium on Saturday, August 8, with the six finalists now confirmed for next weekend’s €20,000 decider.
The Irish Sprint Cup Final will take place on Saturday, August 15, as part of the BAR 1 Betting Dual Race Day and Dundalk Stadium Family Fun Day. Horse racing gets underway at 1.15 pm, with the greyhound racing starting at 8pm.
Rallying Billy Impresses in First Semi-Final
The first semi-final went the way of Rallying Billy, who recorded a winning time of 21.12 seconds.
The Christopher Delaney-trained runner broke smartly from Trap 2 and was still in front when the remainder of the field encountered trouble at the first corner. His early speed meant he was clear of the trouble and he was able to go on and win comfortably.
Colm Fitzgerald’s Tiermana Dream finished strongly to take second from Trap 5, while Buddy Bruno, who started from Trap 3, finished third.
Buddy Bruno is trained by David Murray, one of three trainers with a runner in this year’s final who has previously won the prestigious competition. Murray landed the Irish Sprint Cup in 2023 with Carrick Aldo.
Montana Secret Fastest of the Semi-Final Winners
The second semi-final produced an even quicker winner as Montana Secret stopped the clock at 20.97 seconds.
The May 2024 whelp produced a career-best time over the trip for trainer John Lenihane, securing his place in the final from Trap 3.
Lenihane is another trainer with plenty of Irish Sprint Cup pedigree. He won the competition in 2024 with Broadstrand Syd, who produced a sensational winning time of 20.57 seconds.
That time remains the Dundalk Stadium track record, highlighting just how impressive Broadstrand Syd’s performance was two years ago.
Three Previous Winners in the Final
As well as David Murray and John Lenihane, Martin Lanney is the third trainer with a previous Irish Sprint Cup victory represented in this year’s final.
Lanney will be hoping Barefoot On Fire can add another chapter to his impressive record in the competition.
Remarkably, the four-year-old will be lining up in a Classic final for the third time. Barefoot On Fire previously finished third in the St Leger and fourth in the Con & Annie Kirby Memorial.
Lanney won the Irish Sprint Cup in 2007 with Johnny Gatillo. He has also finished runner-up in the competition on three occasions and has won the consolation race four times.
Can Bomber Nina Make History?
Since BAR 1 Betting became involved with the Irish Sprint Cup, initially under the Bar One Racing name, in 2004, no bitch has won the final.
That could change this year with Bomber Nina set to represent trainer Jack Kennelly.
She will face five male greyhounds as she bids to become the first bitch to win the competition during the BAR 1 Betting era.
2026 Irish Sprint Cup Final Draw
The six finalists will line up in the following order at Dundalk Stadium on Saturday, August 15:
Trap 1 – Barefoot On Fire (I) – Owned by Martin Lanney and Lynsey Magill, Navan, Meath
Trap 2 – Montana Secret (I) – Barry and Martin O’Reilly, Victoria Road, Cork
Trap 3 – Rallying Billy (I) – Mr Dan Flynn, Meelick, Limerick
Trap 4 – Buddy Bruno (I) – Anna Murray and Michael Malone, Mullingar, Westmeath
Trap 5 – Bomber Nina (I) – Gavin Johns, Ballybunion, Kerry
Trap 6 – Tiermana Dream (M) – Zero-Zero-Syndicate, Kilrush, Clare
€20,000 Up for Grabs in Irish Sprint Cup Final
The winner of the BAR 1 Betting Irish Sprint Cup Final will collect €20,000 along with the prestigious trophy.
The runner-up will receive €5,000, while €2,500 is on offer for third place, with the overall prize fund standing at €36,610.
The race will be contested over 400 yards, or 366 metres, at Dundalk Stadium.
Irish Sprint Cup Final Selection
Selection: 2-3-5
Rallying Billy has the early pace to break out and lead from Trap 3, but Montana Secret could follow him through and use his strength to outstay him down the lane.
His 20.97-second semi-final victory was the fastest of the two qualifiers and he looks capable of producing another big performance in the final.
Bomber Nina is also one to keep on side from Trap 5 and could have a major say if getting a clear run.
It promises to be an exciting conclusion to the 2026 BAR 1 Betting Irish Sprint Cup, with six greyhounds set to battle it out for the €20,000 first prize.
Selection: Montana Secret
2026 BAR 1 Betting Irish Sprint Cup Final Odds
5/4 Montana Secret, 5/2 Tiermana Dream, 3/1 Bomber Nina, 6/1 Rallying Billy, 16/1 Buddy Bruno, 25/1 Barefoot Bruno.
Updated prices are available in your nearest BAR 1 Betting shop all week. Find your nearest store.
Family Fun Day Entertainment at Dundalk Stadium
There will be plenty happening away from the track on Saturday, August 15, with the Irish Sprint Cup Final forming part of the BAR 1 Betting Dual Race Day and Dundalk Stadium Family Fun Day.
Music from Vertigo and Paddy Byrne will fill the gap between the horse racing and greyhound racing, while the resident DJ will keep the entertainment going into the night after the greyhound action has finished.
With a major prize on offer, three previous winning trainers involved and six talented finalists ready to go, the stage is set for a memorable night at Dundalk Stadium.
