The 2024 BresBet Easter Cup champion will be crowned at Shelbourne Park on Saturday night, with Clona Duke emerging as the favourite to claim the €25,000 prize.
Trained by Graham Holland, Clona Duke has remained undefeated throughout the competition, making him the Even money favourite to secure the title for owner Kevin O’Brien. Initially priced at 6/1 in the outright market, this superstar, known as Dano at home, is the son of Malachi – Coolavanny Pearl and has already earned over €40,000 in prize money. His past victories include the Select Stakes at Kilcohan Park last year and the Juvenile Derby in 2022.
In the opening semi-final, Clona Duke clocked an impressive 29.53 seconds to secure victory, although he faced a strong challenge from Undulation, trained by Brendan Matthews, who finished just a neck behind in second place. Clona Duke's kennelmate, Clonbrien Treaty, finished third, giving trainer Graham Holland two finalists. Undulation is priced at 3/1, while Treaty stands at 8/1.
The second semi-final was won by Glengar Martha, a finalist in the 2023 Irish Oaks, trained by Pat Buckley. She led from start to finish over the 550-yard trip, crossing the line in 29.71 seconds. Despite her impressive performance, Glengar Martha's odds for the final are at a generous 6/1, having been priced at 33/1 at the start.
Boylesports Bob, trained by Paul Hennessy, finished second, three lengths behind the leader, while Droopys Fidget, trained by Robert Gleeson, secured third place. Bob is priced at 10/1 for the final, while Fidget stands at 8/1.