NON – RUNNERS

National Meeting 2024 – Non Runners

BoyleSports Derby

Horse & Jockey Hotel Oaks

Dublin Coach Kitty Butler Stakes

BARRACK BUTTONS

ENJOY THE DREAM

Callaway Kennels Kevin Smith Champion Stakes

BODENS HULK

Grace & Matt Bruton Champion Bitch

ADMISSION TO NATIONAL MEETING 2024

Patrons, please note the following:

OPTION 1: Purchase your ticket ON-LINE at www.irishcoursingclub.ie. and avail of discounted three day ticket. Print your ticket or store it on your phone. 

OPTION 2. Pay by CREDIT/DEBIT CARD or CASH at point of entry on the day.

Regardless of the method you select, a TICKET will be issued as part of our control policy. Staff will assist you on the day to ensure a speedy entrance. The quickest method of entry is via E-TICKET. 

NATIONAL MEETING FLEXI TICKET

In addition to the availability to purchase a three-day Admission Ticket (€60) or a Single Day Ticket specific to Saturday, Sunday or Monday (€25) we now have a ‘Flexi’ Ticket available online at €25. This ticket may be used for entry to ANY ONE DAY of the 2024 National Coursing Meeting which takes place on the 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th February.

The advent of every new National Coursing Meeting brings thoughts of many ‘firsts. One’s first ‘Clonmel’, one’s first Derby or Oaks qualifier, one’s first flag up the field of dreams and for a lucky few, one’s first visit to the winner’s podium at Powerstown Park. Every year sadly for some it is a first National Meeting without a loved one or a travelling companion. On a lighter side, for many coursing couples they remember it was where their eyes first met across a crowded bar in the town during the post-coursing festivities.

We already know that the 2024 National Meeting will have its own firsts. It will be the first time that Finals Day was held on a Bank Holiday, we will have our first auction of coursing saplings after coursing on Sunday, we have first time sponsors in Callaway Kennels (Kevin Smith Champion Stakes) and Grace Vallely from Newry, Co Down will officiate at her first Clonmel when she judges the opening round of the Kitty Butler on Day 1 and TA Morris on Day 2.

 If the Bookmakers are correct Liam Dowling will win his first Coursing Derby and Ballymac Zena will become the first bitch to accomplish the Oaks / Champion Bitch Stake double but there is quite a bit of running to be done before we can add those ones to the list.

For genuine coursing people though and in particular those in charge of hare husbandry there is only one first and that is the hares. The team at Powerstown Park are no different to all the clubs around the country who put huge voluntary effort into the care, feeding and training of their hares in the hope of running a meeting of the highest possible standard. We wish them well and if it is allowed we will ask for some help from above from those whom we are spending our first National Meeting without.

So at approximately 10.55am tomorrow morning we will watch as Michael Cooney from Lisboney, Nenagh with Get Lucky and Patrick O’Connor from Saleen, Tarbert with Morfontaine enter the Slippers Hut with nervous anticipation for the first course of the day and the first course of the 98^th National Coursing Meeting. From the stands to the slippers hut to the boxing shed there will be a plethora of different emotions for the next few minutes but then someone will shout ‘the hare is out’. And that is coursing.           

Don’t forget to pick up your Sporting Press this week with a 40 page National Meeting pull-out inside (also available online). Many thanks to everyone who contributed to same. As well as Previews, Form Guides, Experts’ Verdicts, Kennel Visits, Betting etc there is also a four page feature on 100 years of coursing at Abbeyfeale.

The Classics Club draw took place at the Irish Coursing Club offices, Davis Road, Clonmel on Thursday, January 25. We have now added the runner to each name which was drawn out. Best of Luck !!

Classics Club Draw on Horse & Jockey Hotel Oaks
Get Lucky	602	Gerard Kenny,	Loughrea
Morfontaine	171	Lars Wicander	Stockholm
Crannagh Wonder	251	Michael Kelleher	Glasheen
Mungos Snowdrop	577	Thomas & James Kennedy,	Clonmel
Canya Wonder	368	Carmel & Paul Kilcoyne	Urlar
As She Likes	454	Martin O’Donovan,	Drinagh
Ballymac Nano	209	Brendan Buggie	Mountmellick
Macha Razor	563	Ennis/Clarecastle Coursing Club,	Ennis
Still Derramore	576	Anthony Clohessy,	Killimer KIlrush
Migrant Lady	455	James McGhee,	Lifford
Hunters Peak	396	McKenna Family	New Inn
Marvelous Mover	26	Michael Sweeney & Dave Killeen	Glin
Edmonton Kilty	458	John Brosnan,	Currow
Mountain Guess	570	Seamus Mulvaney & Declan Kells,	Monkstown
Donegal Maggie	796	Aidan Falls,	Newtownards
Bodens Honour	367	Abbie Ahern & Marc Nolan	Abbeyfeale
Crescent Magic	11	Bryan Cunningham & Denis O’Donovan	Dunhill
Atypical Danger	397	David O’Connor	Bellewstown
Oakview Libby	28	Martin Tucker	Mountcashel
Self Taught	605	Patrick & John Daly	Eglish
Metal Queen	628	Paddy Donovan,	Clonaslee
Shanamoyle Jess	77	Niamh Dolan	Bellewstown
Club Tropicana	147	Friends Of Miltown Malbay CC 2	Cree
Ballymaccallaway	129	Daniel & Eimear Roche	Banteer
Burning Love	379	Kathleen Murphy	Tournafulla
Good Penny	198	Joe McCarthy	Bandon
Atlantic Sunset	95	Michael Malone Snr	Kilcock
Enjoy The Dream	406	Carter Family (Dromard),	Tubbercurry
Shifty Maid	78	Eliz Dolan	Swords
Choctaw Jolly	422	Sean Conlon,	Newry
Lobnamna Rosie	67	Sean Murphy	Schull
Crafty Sarrisimo	697	Jacqueline & Clare Conlon,	Mullabawn
Meenagh Mystery	303	Shane Flanagan	Ennis
Lockbo Sophie	773	Amy Moloney,	Roscrea
Rushview Pebbles	252	Sean Angland	Kiskeam
Loyal Locket	19	Yvonne Barry	Dunboyne
Sticktotheplan	293	Conor Motherway	Cloyne
Scans Diamond	163	Michael O Driscoll & Terry Donnelly	Skibbereen
Arctic Heiguer	145	Circle Of Friends Syndicate	Tralee
Montana Dream	569	Declan Kells & Seamus Mulvaney,	Monkstown
Thai Smile	311	Fergus Slattery	Bandon
Boherlode Hope	183	Wayne McCarthy	Navan
Magical Amelie	178	Neil Carey	Cahir
Zauberflute	177	Fionn & Megan Ronan	Charleville
Lasting Beauty	596	Frank Browne & Davy Reynolds,	Mornington
Milwaukee Lady	191	Ciara Byrne	Dunlavin
Honest Attempt	34	Helen O’Flaherty	Kilmallock
Woodlands Wonder	29	John M. Scully	New York
Curbys Porter	681	Nuala Higgins,	Mullingar
Linden Panache	851	Caroline Gould	Cree
Up Tempo	443	Michele Brennan,	Gorey
Empirical	497	Padraig O’Sullivan,	Moorhill,
Blueway Maggie	629	Kevin Drinan,	Newtownshandrum
Barrack Buttons	674	Ciara Roche,	Lisronagh
Know The Game	824	James Lavery,	Tarbert,
Barbican Crafty	13	Sean Browne	Balbriggan
Montpelier Aya	127	Peter Edwards	Belfast
Tory Surge	562	Brian O’Shaughnessy,	Collinstown
Seanies Digger	528	Tom O’Neill & Michael Ryan,	Kilsheelan
Hunters Hope	103	Olivia Jackson	Kilmacanogue
Crafty Magello	434	Tomas O’Murchu & Pat Coman,	Tipperary Town
Rubys Shadow	106	John Field & John Hourigan	Castletroy
Knockout Heidi	822	Patrick J Loughlin,	Gowran
Lady Wild	380	Dominic Magnone	Tournafulla

Classics Club Draw on Boylesports Derby
Intrinsic Yank	699	Lynch Family Syndicate,	Aghabullogue
Moat Bailey	438	Con Guiney,	Meelin
Bayview Bandit	461	Coffeys Bar Syndicate,	Borrisoleigh
Glencar Waterfall	262	Fir As Clar 4	Ennis
Ballymac Kyleson	534	Peter Tegerdine,	Kent
Magical Fionn	648	Nenagh Coursing Club,	Gurtlassobrien
Crobane Casimero	555	Noel Madden & Ian Carroll,	Listowel
Shuffleupanddeal	467	Denis Beary, MRCVS	Rathangan
Windfarm Mike	463	Joy Peart,	Old Minster Lovell
Moscow Station	222	John Harty & Eoghan Costello	Causeway
Party Smokey	215	Lar Kinsella	Swords
Rossmore Grace	159	Anthony McNamara & Michael Kelly	Killimer
Light Brown	312	Martin Galvin	Ballinclogher
Barrack Blitz	87	John Histon	Newcastle West
Sodashis	445	Galbally Coursing Club,	Galbally
Boherlode Bomber	233	Pat Whelan & Mick Morrisey	Doon
Montpelier Merlo	507	James Egan,	Knockavilla
Crohane Rhapsody	635	Carmel Sheeran & Harriet Drennan,	Ballybrophy
Cuban Buzz	343	John McCann	Aughamullan
Taelane Tiger	503	Charlie Faul,	Tubbercurry
Incendiary	575	Mike Quinn & Ger O’ Neill,	Tipperary Town
Music Blaring	70	John Kelly	Latlurcan
Capablanca	120	Jim McDonald	Bagenalstown
Lemon Mozart	264	Noel Holland	Blarney
Mulboy Wolfman	749	Joe & Pat Egan,	Thurles
Comeonovernow	187	Brendan Maunsell	Abbeydorney
Spartan King	545	Freshford & Dist Coursing Club,	Freshford
Ballymac Sports	130	Paul Dunleavy	Tuam
Daniels Lad	825	John Mulcahy,	Ballyclerihan
De Clinic Cure	90	Joe & Seamus Murray	Duleek
Aristotle	820	John A Strumble,	Cashel
Priory Rebel	298	Mary Marrinan	Ennistymon
Drafted Third	10	Stephen Barrett	Clonskeagh
Ted The Thief	791	Shari Ann O’Donnell,	New Inn
Hows Ya Fatha	280	James O’Donovan & Kian Donnelly	Legane
Ryco Rolo	181	Plunkett Matthews	Newry
Banba Be Wilder	43	Ned Murphy	Mallow
Navalny	654	‘White Horses’	Julianstown
Lineroad Santos	305	A.J & Cillian Kavanagh	Ballybrophy
Ballymac Mikey	441	Tommy O’Gorman,	Ardfinnan
Urker Challenger	549	Lester Power,	Tramore
Ballymac Ciunas	480	Jim Malone,	Ardee
Carrowkeal Jerry	540	Susan Garrahy,	Clonlara
Moonlight Mayhem	71	Gerry Flynn	Belfast
Donaghmore Jack	281	The Whitepark Workers Syndicate	Rathdowney
Alekhine	558	Berkie Browne,	Listowel
Imtellinyounow	14	Ian Frith & Nuala Brassil	Abbeydorney
Aarons Rich Dan	512	Ten Commandments Syndicate,	Templetuohy
Brindle Mozart	246	Mary Holland	Tarbert
Cuban Bruce	364	Johnny Rock Murphy	New York
Confident Erin	541	Paul Davies & Bridget Curtin,	Fethard
Bucket Deal	707	Michael Godley & Tim Leahy,	Tralee
Carrowkeal Snowy	115	Gerard Meehan	Kiskeam
Working Jim	30	Michael Horgan	Mitchelstown
Strikin Distance	427	DGW (Nenagh) Syndicate,	Puckane
Tonevane Togo	200	Mike O’Connor & JP Ahern	Abbeyfeale
A Noble Friend	31	Siripan Paewkasem – Thailand	Newmarket UK
Da Wests Awake	415	Kieran McGrath,	Kilkee
Urker Mac	581	Pat Pyne & Patsy Myers,	Rathcormac
Rushview Wolf	91	Clodagh Gill	Naas
Capitol Trend	156	Martin & Catherine Sweeney	Roseberry
Friday Feeling	294	Ann & Lisa Quinlan	Emly
Crafty Kosovo	453	Guvenor Richardson,	Balbriggan
Lochbo Milo	722	Michael Gleeson,	Gorey

Classics Club Draw on Grace & Matt Bruton Champion Bitch Stakes
Catch Magic	365	Joseph Kelly	Moneen
Young And Game	184	Sean & John Hayes	Clarina
Ballymac Pippin	619	Peter Scales & Friends,	Liscannor
Barrack Bubbles	1	John Darler	Newmarket UK
Barrack Alice	175	Denis Keane & Battie O’Connor	Gneeveguilla
Create The Dream	357	Geoff Morgan	Epsom
Catunda Lauren	795	Ian Falls,	Newtownards
Ballymac Zena	330	John Dever	Firhouse
Classics Club Draw on Callaway Kennels Kevin Smith Champion Stakes
Fingal Devito	736	Paul Horig,	Bahamas
Party Tom	492	Brid O’Sullivan,	Moorhill,
Advisory	47	Paramaddan Boyz	Duleek
Tree Top Tyson	170	Michael O’Brien & Tom Houlihan	Ballyduff
Crew Beans	227	Jason O’Dwyer & John Murphy	Glanworth
Bodens Hulk	214	Tomas & Johnny McLoughlin	Doon
Ballymac Major	347	Kevin Murphy & John Long	Newcastlewest
Cool Spirit	97	Gerry & Bridie O’Sullivan	Abbeyfeale

The prize fund for draw on the BoyleSports Derby and the Horse & Jockey Hotel Oaks will be as follows: Winner: €10,000; Runner-Up: €3,000; Semi-Finalists: €1,000 each; Quarter-Finalists: €500 each.

Due to the great response we received we are also giving out the following extra prizes: If the greyhound you draw in the Derby or Oaks wins the Stockproof Fencing T.A. Morris Stakes or Dublin Coach Kitty Butler Stakes you will receive €1500 and the runner-up receives €500. We also made a draw on the Classics Club/Callaway Kennels Kevin Smith Champion Stakes and the Classics Club Grace & Matt Bruton Champion Bitch Stakes with winner of both receiving €2,000 and runner-up €500. This gives a total prize-fund of €43,000.   

On your behalf we will donate the remainder to the Irish Coursing Club towards the National Meeting and the sponsorship of the Classics Club/Callaway Kennels & Kevin Smith Champion Stakes and the Classics Club Grace & Matt Bruton Champion Bitch Stakes. 

Now that the Christmas meetings have been completed (a very well done to all concerned) our attention turns to Abbeyfeale for the next two days, Friday & Saturday. They are celebrating their 100^th Anniversary at Abbeyfeale but of course this meeting has really taken off since the 1971/72 season when the committee changed their All Age Cup into a Puppy event with preference for Clonmel qualifiers. It is now firmly established as a very important pre-National Meeting trial and Reikers Island, Silent Whisper, Annual Fergie & Ballymac Zena are recent examples of Corn Na Feile Puppy Stake winners which went on to classic success at Clonmel. Once again the entries for both of this season’s puppy events at Abbeyfeale include qualifiers which are at the head of the betting market for the Derby and Oaks in February so we can expect plenty of talking points as we go through the rounds. A few years ago the current committee reintroduced a Corn Na Feile All Age Cup to the programme and they have been rewarded with an outstanding entry for the 2023 renewal. Most likely it is the first time ever that the four semi-finalists from the previous season’s Derby turned up in the same Cup. So let’s have a quick look at the three feature events.

CORN NA FEILE DERBY

At first glance this stake has a very ‘Ballymac’ look to it and certainly the three Liam Dowling runners will be hard to beat. Sports & Ciunas went into every notebook for the Derby after qualifying at Castleisland & Abbeydorney respectively. Kyleson won the Galway & Oranmore TS at Glin in good style but did make an early exit afterwards in the Munster Cup at NCW. The biggest threat to the Ballymacs in the top half is undoubtedly the Ballyduff qualifier Cuban Bruce and his expected second round meeting with ‘Sports’ could be one of the courses of the meeting. In the bottom half where the finalist will have the benefit of a semi-final bye, the Glin form will be very much on show. It wouldn’t be a huge shock if A Noble Friend which took the Mitchelstown qualifier after running-up to Navalny at Glin proved best. He was clocking marginally faster than both Navalny & Ballymac Kyleson in the early rounds at Ballinagoul. However, by virtue of having possibly the easier passage through the early rounds we will give the nod for outright success to Ballymac Ciunas.         

CORN NA FEILE OAKS        

The betting suggests that Ballymac Tag will go at least two thirds of the way of emulating her kennelmate Zena which accomplished a Castleisland / Abbeyfeale / Clonmel treble last season. However there is huge confidence behind a number of runners in this stake and she will have to be very special to come out on top. Her first big battle will probably be in the second round against the highly regarded Westport qualifier Crafty Magello. Awaiting the winner of this buckle is likely to be Zauberflute, a daughter of Laurina, which won many admirers at Freshford and since then was spotted doing a very good trial. Lady Wild (Tradaree) is another one to note in the bottom half. At the upper end of the draw, the first round pairing of Montpelier Aya (Westmeath Utd) & Good Penny (Crohane) should produce a thrilling course and Arctic Heigeur (Listowel) & Annual Hoppe (Ballinagar) won’t be short of support but the Miltown Malbay qualifier Empirical could be a surprise packet. It would be folly to oppose Ballymac Tag but this could be a very exciting renewal.

CORN NA FEILE ALL AGE     

With 11 points already to her name Barrack Bubbles is probably guaranteed her place in the Champion Bitch Stakes but is a very interesting runner in the top quarter. This top half though is dominated by the course between 2023 Boylesports Derby winner Masonbrook Ger and Floating Hego. The latter is very difficult to beat in early rounds so this could be the buckle of Day 1. Should ‘Ger’ progress it is hard to see him not being in the final. Things are a tad more complicated in the bottom half. Connections of Drive On Lesley were a bit shocked to see the ease at which Tree Top Tyson went past him in the Tipperary Cup at Kilsheelan. They will be expecting to reverse the result if they meet here in Rd 2. Below them there are questions marks over the current form of Derby r-up Ballymac Major and the well-being of Derby semi-finalist Barrack Boru (not seen since early exit at Glin) but if either or both produce their ‘Clonmel’ performances we are in for one thrilling competition. It might be too obvious or just wishful thinking but we will predict a repeat of last season’s Derby final between Masonbrook Ger & Ballymac Major with the same outcome.              

    Corn Na Feile All Age  
    Cobra Melody            v   All Glamour
    My Littlecoconut        v   Barrack Bubbles
    Bodens Hulk             v   Steel Mill
    Floating Hego           v   Masonbrook Ger
    Tree Top Tyson          v   Sheeraghs Dream
    Catunda Zeus            v   Drive On Lesley
    Lower The Blade         v   Ballymac Major
    Well Road Crafty        v   Barrack Boru
    Reserves
    Toplight

    Corn Na Feile Puppy Derby
    Capablanca              v   Ballymac Sports
    Montpelier Merlo        v   Cuban Bruce
    Ballymac Ciunas         v   Carrowkeal Jerry
    Shuffleupanddeal        v   Banba Be Wilder
    Navalny                 v   Ballymac Kyleson
    A Noble Friend          v   Carrowkeal Snowy
    Reserves

    Corn Na Feile Puppy Oaks
    Arctic Heiguer          v   Ballymac Nano
    Montpelier Aya          v   Good Penny
    Annual Hoppe            v   Self Taught
    Marvelous Mover         v   Empirical
    Lady Wild               v   Boherlode Hope
    Zauberflute             v   Hunters Hope
    Scans Diamond           v   Ballymac Tag
    Linden Panache          v   Crafty Magello
    Reserves
    Still Derramore

A huge thank you to all 320 guests who attended our Coursing Awards and Dinner Dance last Sunday. You helped to create a lovely atmosphere and we hope you enjoyed yourselves.

These Awards could not happen without the support of our wonderful sponsors: Dominic, Kathleen & Liam of Greyhound & Pet World Abbeyfeale; Jimmy Flaherty & family, Galway; Billy & Marie Roche and family Clonmel Cabins; Bridget Byrne, Surrey & Duagh; The National Meeting Bookmakers; Michael & Maura Horgan, Mitchelstown. Thank you all sincerely.

Congratulations to our Award winners and other prize recipients. Thank you for joining us on Sunday night with family and friends. This week’s Sporting Press has a full report with photos from the Coursing Awards.

Front photo – Bridget Byrne presents the Hall Of Fame Award to Jackie Murphy and his wife Kathleen.

Below Anne Marie O’Brien makes a presentation of behalf of the Sporting Press to the connections of Classic winners Excelerate (trainer Kevin Barry), Masonbrook Ger (members of the Griffin Harte syndicate) and Cool Spirit ( Damien Matthews & Seamus Kelly)

Below Michael Sheil (Chairman Classics Club) and John Egan (President ICC) make a presentation of the first prize cheques in the Classics Club Draw to Evan & Conor Comerford (representing their dad Fintan) and to Dermot McCarthy and his mam Martha .

Below Sporting Press Fantasy Coursing winner Sean Doyle accompanied by his daughter Sarah Jane accepts his prize from Anne Marie O’Brien.

Below DJ Histon (CEO Irish Coursing Club) and Damien Matthews (Treasurer ICC) make a special presentation to Imelda Grauer who has been taking photos for the Sporting Press & ICC since 1984.

National Coursing Meeting 2023 – Important Notices 

Finals Day at Clonmel

The Fields Of Athenry rang around Powerstown Park this afternoon as friends and supporters of Tom Griffin, his daughter Jenny & her husband Matt Harte from Gort and trainer Gerry Holian celebrated the Boylesports Derby success of Masonbrook Ger. The son of Newinn Wonder & Laurina (representing Loughrea CC) had impressed from the opening round and was a truly worthy winner. His toughest call came in the semi-final against Tree Top Tyson which was one of many exciting courses today. Credit also to the runner-up Ballymac Major who came from behind in the quarter-final & semi-final but just couldn’t bridge the gap in the final.

They may have lost the Derby but it was another memorable National Meeting for Liam Dowling & family. As expected ante post favourite Ballymac Zena and her kennelmate Ballymac Pippin reached the final of the Horse & Jockey Hotel Oaks but not without a few worries. In her first course this morning Zena clipped the escape hard as she drove in and then three courses later Pippin got plenty of work. Zena’s semi-final against Catunda Lauren was without doubt the most exciting course of the entire three days and the stands erupted as the lead changed a number of times. However marking her out as an outstanding greyhound she shouldered her opponent at a vital time to take the opening turn. Pippin did recover from her exertions to win her semi-final against Silent Angel but following veterinary advice she was then withdrawn and Zena (representing Castleisland CC) was declared the winner. The daughter of Boylesports Magic – Silent Wonder joins Ballymac Enya (2019) and Ballymac Floral (2021) on the Oaks Roll of Honour.

The O’Connor family from Tarbert were back on the podium at a National Meeting when Express Razor (a Cup winner at Ballyduff and East Donegal) won the Kevin Smith Champion Stakes, coming from behind a gallant Aghadown Wonder in the final. The son of Drive On Smokey – Following Lights is trained by Patrick for his mam Christina. Excelerate (a Cup winner at Johnstown & Urlingford) gave one of the performances of the day throughout the Grace & Matt Bruton Champion Bitch Stakes. A late withdrawal before last season’s Oaks got underway, the daughter of Needham Danger – Annual Time made up for lost time much to the delight of Fintan & John Comerford, Kildare Town and trainer Kevin Barry. (Incidentally Fintan also drew Ballymac Zena in the Classics Club Draw so a great day all around for him). Ocean Kerrie ran exceptionally well to reach the final and gave the winner the most to do.

When Amarite was drawn to meet Ballymac Zena in the first round of the Oaks her owners Ray Conroy and Ollie Dunne (Portlaoise) were despondent. However she lost nothing in defeat and it was no surprise to see this litter sister of our Derby winner (Newinn Wonder – Laurina) win the Dublin Coach Kitty Butler Stakes four years after her dam won the same event. Sore Loser (Drive On Smokey – Sullane Erin) was also handed a tough opening draw in the Derby against Tiktok Tony and was one of the big outsiders. Owners David Manning & Katie Kelleher will be over the moon heading back to Macroom this evening with the trophy for the Stockproof Fencing Products TA Morris Stakes.

And so concluded the 97th National Coursing Meeting which was blessed with probably the best weather ever for the full duration of the event. We were also blessed with some fantastic coursing and behalf of all coursing supporters we extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to Team Powerstown. After all the anticipation it is hard to believe that it is all over but wonderful memories were made and no doubt the celebrations in Gort, Tralee, Tarbert, Kildare Town, Portlaoise and Macroom will continue for many days and weeks to come. Long Live Coursing.

Day 2 at Clonmel

Liam Dowling’s eight qualifiers graced the front page of last week’s Sporting Press and remarkably six of them are still in Derby & Oaks contention after three rounds and two days of great coursing at the 97th National Coursing Meeting. The betting this evening would suggest that Ballymac Zena and Ballymac Pippin will divide the Horse & Jockey Hotel Oaks which would give the Dowlings a remarkable third success in this Classic in five years. A Derby success would be the first up the field for the Ballymac kennels but it will be harder to achieve despite having half of the remaining runners.

The Boherlode Syndicate (Limerick) owned Boherlode Zoey which only came in as a runner-up last week has run brilliantly to reach the last eight of the Oaks. The Curtin family, Tournafulla, Limerick have brought many a fast qualifier to Clonmel over the years but perhaps without the success they deserved. With Barrack Bubbles (Oaks) and Barrack Boru (Derby) they now have two live chances, the latter in particular. Some of the loudest cheers were heard today from the Kilmardinny Syndicate (Imelda Byrne & family, Dublin) when Catunda Lauren won her two courses impressively. Gooleen Magic & Silent Angel make it three from the Boylesportsmagic – Silent Wonder litter into the last eight of the Oaks joining their sister Ballymac Zena. Gooleen Magic is owned by Eilish O’Sullivan & her son Dermot, from Labasheeda, Co Clare, mam and brother to Irish Cup and Kitty Butler sponsor John O’Sullivan. Father & son Tom & Jack Nolan, Abbeyfeale of the Silent prefix need no introduction and will be thrilled to see the great Silent Wonder produce such a litter. Twelve months after losing an Oaks final by the narrowest of margins Tom Lawler & his family, Carlow are back in an Oaks on Finals Day. Their Mungos Blossom has won many admirers and won’t make things easy for Ballymac Pippin.

The third round of the Boylesports Derby was bookended by two courses which were expected to be very close. The manner of the victory of both Ballymac Major and Tree Top Tyson (David Lonergan, Cahir & Kevin Barry, Rosegreen) over Iron Born and Cool Spirit respectively makes them serious contenders but such is the quality of this season’s Derby that they might not even reach the final. Major was actually nine spots slower than his brother Ballymac General who he now takes on in the quarter-final. The honour of fastest clock in the third round went to the aforementioned Barrack Boru and he meets Simply Glorious running for Ray Conroy & Ollie Dunne, Portlaoise who won a Kitty Butler with his dam in 2019 and also the Champion Bitch Stakes last season (Shes Invincible). Jenny Griffin and Matt Harte (Gort) got a brilliant run in the older Oaks 12 months ago and now their Masonbrook Ger (litter brother to Simply Glorious) is the fancy of many to go one better in the Derby. His next opponent is possibly the least fancied of the Liam Dowling runners but Ballymac Devito appears to have plenty luck on his side and we all know how important that is in coursing. He also happens to be a son of Ballymac Enya which gave Liam his first Clonmel success. Finally we come to Boylesports Team, the Corn Na Feile winner and running in the name of one of our sports most generous ever sponsors, John Boyle (Rostrevor) and trained in the Ballymac kennels. It would be another wonderful story but it won’t be easy, especially taking on Tree Top Tyson.

We began by mentioning the eight ‘Ballymac’ stars on Page 1 of the most recent Sporting Press. Will we see two or three or even possibly four of them on this week’s front cover once again ?. The bookmakers think we will and no doubt they will have some hefty doubles to pay out if it comes to pass. However the Clonmel dream is still alive for many other coursing families tonight and we wish them all the very best as we look forward to the third and final day of Clonmel 2023.

Day 1 at Clonmel

After a 30 minute delay due to overnight frost, Ballymac Wonder got the 97th National Meeting off to a great start with a 12.50 run in the opening course of the Horse & Jockey Hotel Oaks. However it wasn’t long before her kennelmate and long odds favourite Ballymac Zena bettered it by 12 spots (12.38). This would remain the best time of the day until Tree Top Tyson stopped the clock at 12.36 in the very last course of the Boylesports Derby.

Others to catch the eye in the Oaks were Gooleen Magic & Silent Angel (both litter sisters of Zena), Frenchfort (litter sister of Ballymac Wonder), Marvelous Model (daughter of 2020 Oaks winner), and the very well drawn Ballymac Pippin (same dam as 2019 and 2021 Oaks winners). The only big upset was the elimination of All Glamour which went temporarily offline and handed the advantage to Cloncunny Flare.

The Ballymacs were also very much to the fore in the Boylesports Derby with Ballymac Ida the only one of eight runners from the Dowling kennels to taste defeat today after a sluggish start. Ballymac Major was probably the most impressive although sponsor John Boyle will have been delighted with the all the way success of Boylesports Team (trained by Liam Dowling). The aforementioned Tree Top Tyson finished the first round in style and others to show Derby winning potential were Iron Born, Masonbrook Ger, Cool Spirit and both of the Barrack dogs Boru & Ice. However no less than 15 dogs came in under 12.60 so it really is wide open still.

It was a glorious day weather wise and the atmosphere and excitement was the best seen at an opening day in Clonmel for a long time. Please God it augurs well for the next two days. The action resumes tomorrow morning at 11am with the first round of the Stockproof Fencing TA Morris Stakes. (see Quick Results for clocks and betting).

The Waiting Is Over

In less than 24 hours the 97th National Coursing Meeting will get underway at Powerstown Park, Clonmel. It is very doubtful if we will have anyone attending who was present at that first National Meeting back in 1925 but for sure there will be someone proudly celebrating their 50th, 60th or even 70th Clonmel. We all remember our first Clonmel and we hope that for those making their maiden trip this year it is the first of many.

Safe travelling to all over the next three days. Best wishes to everyone connected to a runner and we hope your dream comes true. A huge thank you to all involved with hare husbandry at Powerstown Park and we hope your dream of a clean sheet comes true also. We know you can do no more. Sincere thanks to our sponsors, Boylesports, The Horse & Jockey Hotel, Dublin Coach, Stockproof Fencing Products, The 802 Classics Club Members and the families of the late Kevin Smith and Grace & Matt Bruton. This event could not happen without your support.

At 11am this Sunday morning Breska Code and Ballymac Wonder will be placed in the capable hands of Brian Doyle or Richard Quinn. 202 courses later Liam Kelly or John O’Connell will pull the final flag for this season’s National Meeting and the Clonmel Roll Of Honour will have six new names or possibly even more in the event of a divide !!. It’s our All Ireland, Superbowl, Cheltenham, all rolled into one and whether it’s our 50th or our 1st the excitement never diminishes.

OFFICIAL NON RUNNERS

National Meeting 2023 – Non Runners

Horse & Jockey Hotel Oaks

Hiho Lets Go (First Quarter)

Lucarelli (First Quarter)

Ta Ellen (Fourth Quarter)

BoyleSports Derby

Tullig Seal (First Quarter)

Sminky Sharp (Reserve)

Grace & Matt Bruton Champion Bitch

Cloncunny Wonder

Kevin Smith Champion Stakes

Dresden Dingo

Rossmore Champ (reserve)

TRAFFIC WARNING

For anyone travelling to Clonmel from the Waterford or Wexford direction on Tuesday (Sunday & Monday should be ok) please note there are long delays in Carrick On Suir due to roadworks. The full details are below.

ROAD TO BE CLOSED:
N24 Eastbound Lane, Carrick-on-Suir, Co Tipperary. From O’Mahony Avenue to Ash Park Junction with N24. PERIOD OF CLOSURE: 00:00hrs on Monday 30 January 2023 to 23:39hrs on Friday 01 September 2023. ALTERNATIVE ROUTES: R696 New Road, L-2701-1 Ard Mhuire, L-2702-1 Greenside North, R697 Park View, L-2703-1 Ash Park. (L-27032-1 Townparks will also to be used when required).

NM SPORTING PRESS SPECIAL

Congratulations to Anne Marie O’Brien and her team on another great National Meeting special. A must read before you head to Clonmel this weekend. Available to view online Tuesday evening and should be in most shops on Wednesday.

Consolation Stakes at National Meeting

At the 2023 National Coursing Meeting there will be two Consolation Stakes. The Dublin Coach Kitty Butler Stakes for 32 bitches eliminated in the first round of the Horse & Jockey Hotel Oaks. Winner: €7,000. Runner Up: €2,000. The Stockproof Fencing Products T. A. Morris Stakes for 32 dogs eliminated in the first round of the BoylesSports Derby. Winner: €7,000. Runner Up: €2,000.

In the event of these stakes not being filled by those eliminated from the first round of the Oaks/Derby the remaining places will be allocated to reserves in the Oaks/Derby which did not get called to run in those stakes. These reserves must have run a non-competitive course at the end of the first round of the Oaks/Derby.

A new draw will be made to determine which reserves are to receive the remaining places in the Consolation Stakes and which reserves are to be listed as Reserves A,B,C and D for the Consolation Stakes. The draw for the Consolation Stakes will then take place.

The first round of the Dublin Coach Kitty Butler Stakes will take place at the end of coursing on the first day of the National Meeting and the second round will take place immediately after the interval on the second day of the National Meeting. The first round of the Stockproof Fencing Products TA Morris Stakes will take place at the start of coursing on the second day of the National Meeting and the second round will take place at the end of coursing on the second day of the National Meeting. Both stakes will then be completed on the third day of the National Meeting.

NATIONAL MEETING TRIALS

The second hare schooling session for the National Meeting took place on Saturday and the quickest clocks were 12.67 and 12.72. The first hare schooling session for the National Meeting took place on Friday and the quickest clocks were 12.62 and 12.64

THE DUBLIN COACH COURSING BUS

We are delighted that John O’Sullivan is once again providing this wonderful service on three different routes. The coaches will leave each morning from Galway, Dundalk and Tralee with strategic pick-ups along the way. All who travelled this way in recent years have had nothing but the highest of praise for the service so early booking is advisable.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW COACH TIMETABLE