Weekend switch proves a big success with fans

The decisive moments in the National Coursing Meeting in Clonmel will take place on Powerstown Park this afternoon but with two days completed, it already feels like a success for the Irish Coursing Club.

Against opposition for a move to host the meeting across the weekend, with the finals on Monday, the attendance figures indicate the Club was vindicated in its decision. An increase of 21% for the opening day was all but matched on Sunday, reportedly 19% higher than the Tuesday of 2012.

So obvious was the improvement, even those against the move and equally uninfluenced by the figures, gave reluctant acknowledgment to the atmosphere which the packed stands brought.