Ramsbottom's Slick Sanctuary lands Laurels decider spot with Cork masterclass

LAOIS trainer Karol Ramsbottom will be strongly represented in Saturday night's BAR 1 Betting Irish Greyhound Laurels Final after Slick Sanctuary produced a standout performance in the semi-finals at Curraheen Park Greyhound Stadium, Cork.

Ramsbottom arrived at the semi-final stage very much still in contention and the success of Slick Sanctuary ensures that the Laois handler will have a major say in the destination of one of Irish greyhound racing's most coveted titles this weekend and the €30,000 top winners prize.

The star of the night for the Laois trainer was Slick Sanctuary, who produced a flawless display in the third semi-final. Sent to traps at 7/1, the son of Droopys Sydney and Susie Sapphire flew from trap four and quickly established a winning advantage.

Once turning in front, Slick Sanctuary was always in command, showing both pace and determination to make every yard of the running. Despite pressure from Ballymac Kamala in the closing stages, he held firm to score by two lengths in an excellent 28.20.

The Laurels final field was completed on Tuesday morning when Magical Jet won the re-run against Ballycowen Moon following their dead-heat for second place in the opening semi-final on Saturday night.

With Slick Sanctuary arriving into the final in winning form expectation is building in Laois ahead of what promises to be a thrilling Irish Greyhound Laurels showdown at Curraheen Park, Cork.

For Karol Ramsbottom and his supporters, the dream of bringing the famous Laurels title back to Laois remains very much alive as the countdown begins to Saturday night's final.

Gates open at 6pm and for those not travelling the final is live on Virgin Media 2 from 9.00pm–10.00pm. All details are available on www.CurraheenParkGreyhoundStadium.ie 2026 BAR 1 Betting Irish Greyhound Laurels Finalists Trap 1: Slick Sanctuary Trap 2: Sure Exile Trap 3: Droopys Unreal Trap 4: Ballymac Setanta Trap 5: Ballymac Kamala Trap 6: Magical Jet