The brindle dog owned by the Lochead-Ponder-Whelan syndicate (Graham Box, Austin Whelan and Len Ponder) won the first prize of €140,000.

[10] The third round was held on the 31 August and Lenson Bocko claimed the first heat in a very fast time of 29.27; Jaytee Taylor found trouble and failed to qualify.

Heat 2 saw the surprise elimination of Ballymac Copper who ran under par, Sophies Man took the race followed by Boylesports King and Mucky Brae.

Magical Bale's class showed once again as he won heat 3 from Ballydoyla Valor and the previously undefeated Killmacdonagh in a very strong race that also saw the end of the challenge from Droopys Pension and Slippy Cian.

[12] In the semi-finals Lenson Bocko consolidated his tag as favourite when winning all the way in heat 1 from the consistent Run Happy with Boylesports King taking the final qualification place.

Mucky Brae began to fade by the third bend leaving Killmacdonagh no path to contest and by the third Lenson Bocko was challenging Run Happy sitting about a length behind.

As they turned for the home straight it looked like two-way battle for the line but Boylesports King was finishing strongly and was also gaining with every stride.