Surprises continue unabated

The surprises continued unabated at the National Coursing meeting at Clonmel yesterday, another host of them to add to the first day tally.

On Saturday, three of the most fancied dogs in the Boylesport.com Derby, the favourite Eshwary Leader (5-1), Needham Simple (7-1) and Needham Danger (9-1) all bit the dust and yesterday Kingsmill Rover, the favourite before coursing yesterday morning, also came a cropper when going under to the Gerry Holian trained With Grim Intent.Noreen McManus had purchased the dog for a substantial sum after winning his trial stake in Newcastlewest. With Grim Intent is now joint favourite with Kyle Calvin to win out.

There were also a few upsets in the Greyhound & Pet World Oaks on the opening day, the biggest being Ocean Hannalora (10-1) going out to Atlantic Diva (25-1), who is still standing, and La Venti (10-1) being eliminated by 25-1 chance Bower Lucy.