Ballymac Setanta produces a spectacular performance in the Irish Laurels
The last week has seen some smart runs in Ireland with perhaps the pick of them being the win in the opening round of the Irish Laurels by Ballymac Setanta.
Ireland's top runs led by Ballymac Setanta's Laurels win
It has been a notable start to the career of Ballymac Setanta. Thought of well enough to make his racing debut in the opening round of the Bar One Racing Irish Sprint Cup where he made the quarter-final stage, he lit up Curraheen Park with an exceptional 27.94 in the opening round of the Laurels on Saturday night. It was a new fastest of the year at the Cork venue from the '24 whelp.
At Shelbourne, the quickest 600y time of the year so far was set by Ballinabola Joe. He was two spots inside Callaway Knegare's 2025 time that led all runners ahead of the weekend, showing again the level of ability he has when he gets it right. The English and Irish third round casualty could have a big 2026 if he can find a touch more consistency to go along with the raw talent.
Bogger Bob produced a smart 600y time of his own on Saturday night, his coming at Limerick, the second quickest of the year. Just the eighth start of his career, it should be no surprise that he found improvement for going further than he has at any stage in his career as a half-brother to multiple 659m Yarmouth scorer Bogger Cash.
Youngest on the list this week is Firstpastthepost. A 21.24 on race debut for this half-brother to English Derby semi-finalist Dynamic Force suggests that he is very much a youngster to follow. Just 18 months old, there is sure to be plenty of improvement to come from him next year.
The Fair Warrior gets underway later this month over Mullingar's 400y trip with Killeshil Ranger laying down a marker with a new quickest of the year on Saturday night. He was a touch over five lengths off the clock set in the opening round of the competition last year by Glendale Zozo but it was a step up on his win from a fortnight back.
