The makeup of the 2026 BAR 1 Betting Irish Laurels is finally known, following a dramatic Tuesday morning at Curraheen Park. While the semi-final heats on Saturday night last should have decided the six finalists, incredibly, there was a dead heat for second place in the first of the three semi-final heats, meaning a run-off was required to secure a place in Saturday’s €30,000 decider.
Ballycowen Moon and Magical Jet could not be separated by the judges at Curraheen Park on Saturday, but it was the Patrick Guilfoyle-trained Magical Jet who prevailed in the subsequent match race to ensure that last year’s winning handler with Magical On Fire will be represented again in this year’s showpiece.
One day later than originally planned, the draw for Saturday’s final took place, and in true Laurels fashion, there was to be no shortage of talking points. Competition favourite Ballymac Setanta, who broke the track record in round one, has been drawn slightly wider than ideal in trap four.
While Liam Dowling’s runner overcame a trap six berth to win his semi-final heat last weekend, connections would have been hoping to be drawn in boxes one or two for the final. The English Greyhound Derby-winning trainer was also out of luck in the draw with his other finalist, Ballymac Kamala, who has been put out in trap five at the Cork venue.
They call trap one the golden ticket at Curraheen Park, and the recipient of said ticket for this year’s final is Slick Sanctuary. Karol Ramsbottom’s runner put two lengths between himself and Ballymac Kamala when winning Saturday’s concluding semi-final heat and must now be considered a massive player to go all the way in this year’s competition.
Despite landing box two, Sure Exile looks up against it in this company. Trap three will be occupied by long-time competition fancy for many, Droopys Unreal, while having come through Tuesday’s run-off, Magical Jet has been handed the dreaded trap six starting spot.
Following the draw, prices have since been made available on Saturday night’s final, which will be broadcast live on Virgin Media TV and on the player. Despite failing to land an inside box, Ballymac Setanta has been installed as the 6/4 favourite for Laurels glory.
Slick Sanctuary, with the assistance of the inside rail, is the 2/1 second favourite, with Droopys Unreal next in the pecking order at 5/2.
2026 BAR 1 Betting Irish Laurels Final trap draw
- Slick Sanctuary
- Sure Exile
- Droopys Unreal
- Ballymac Setanta
- Ballymac Kamala
- Magical Jet
2026 BAR 1 Betting Irish Laurels outright odds
- Slick Sanctuary 2/1
- Sure Exile 50/1
- Droopys Unreal 5/2
- Ballymac Setanta 6/4
- Ballymac Kamala 8/1
- Magical Jet 25/1
For updated prices throughout the week in the lead-up to Saturday night’s final, visit your nearest BAR 1 Betting shop. Find yours here.
BAR 1 Betting Irish Greyhound Laurels: FAQs
When is the Irish Greyhound Laurels final?
The Irish Greyhound Laurels final takes place on Saturday, October 17.
Where is the Irish Greyhound Laurels held?
The Irish Greyhound Laurels is held at Curraheen Park Greyhound Stadium in Cork, Ireland.
What is the prize money for the Irish Greyhound Laurels?
The winner of the 2026 Irish Greyhound Laurels will take home €30,000.
Who won the Irish Greyhound Laurels last year?
Magical on Fire stopped the clock in 27.93 to win the 2025 Laurels at a price of 13/2.
Where can I watch the Irish Greyhound Laurels?
The Irish Greyhound Laurels is being broadcast on Virgin Media, with coverage featuring Ivan Yates and Ian Fortune.
