The 99th National Coursing Meeting concluded at Powerstown Park today and it saw Brendan Matthews record a fantastic trainer/breeder treble including his sixth Coursing Derby. It was also a memorable Clonmel for Cork trainer Barry Lynch who was on the podium twice including after the Oaks. And congratulations to Paddy Duffy (Derry) who had both finalists in the Stockproof Fencing TA Morris Stakes with Central Clever declared the winner.
First to Brendan’s treble. Gone To Strand, winner of the 2025 Boylesports Derby for the Limerick Newry Syndicate (Seamus Kelly, Liam Herlihy and Brendan Matthews) who also won the Irish Cup two years ago with Cool Spirit. The Trim qualifier was 20/1 before coursing on Saturday. Navalny, winner of the Callaway Kennels Kevin Smith Champion Stakes for Fintan & John Comerford, Kildare. Well supported before the first round he gives the Comerfords their second Champion Stakes as they won the bitch equivalent with Excelerate back in 2023. Metal Queen, bred & trained & owned by the maestro to win the Classics Club Grace & Matt Bruton Champion Bitch Stakes. It is difficult to believe that it is 17 years since Brendan won the Derby and over 10 since he won either of the Champion Stakes but today was his day once again and it was a wonderful occasion for the Matthews family.
Today was also a dream come true for great friends from England & Scotland, Steve Dobie, Graeme Thompson & Michael Ariss who have been trying to win at Clonmel for a long time and when it finally happened today it happened twice. Making it very special for them was that both winners were trained by Barry Lynch with whom they have soldiered for many many years. Revello Del Toro was involved in the very first course of the meeting and came home first in the Horse & Jockey Hotel Oaks. The Cork (Blarney) qualifier was 25/1 before coursing. The double came courtesy of Orianthi in the Dublin Coach Kitty Butler Stakes.
And so concluded a very enjoyable National Coursing Meeting where I think everyone will agree that the hares were the stars of the show. Congratulations to Team Powerstown, our Judges & Slippers and of course to all our winners. For all the reviews, stories and photos don’t forget to get your Sporting Press this week.