Up to 10,000 flock to National Coursing Meeting

For 87 years they’ve been travelling to a green, mostly windswept corner of Co Tipperary for the highlight of their sporting year, and yesterday was no exception as up to 10,000 hardy annuals attended the National Coursing Meeting.

For three days this week, the horseracing track in Clonmel becomes the centre of attention for the young superstars of the coursing world. As well as attracting owners, trainers and supporters from all across the island, it also brings its fair share of overseas visitors.

Among the nationalities represented at Powerstown Park yesterday for the first rounds of the Greyhound and& Pet World Oaks and Boylesports Derby were English, Scottish, American and Australian, along with the usual legions from the North.