Visitors flock to hare-coursing 'Ascot'
County Tipperary became the Mecca for hare coursing fans from around the world today as the 81st annual Irish meeting got under way.
The showpiece event is set to attract 30,000 people over the next three days and generate €16m for the local economy.
Over 8,000 seasoned fans attended today and studied race cards in the brilliant sunshine at the Powerstown Park, which has hosted the meeting since 1925.
The venue will stage the Oaks and Derby, each with a winners’ prize fund of €35,000, on Wednesday.
Jerry Desmond, who has been Irish Coursing Club chief for 20 years, said he expected more UK visitors to the Clonmel track because of the ban on the sport.
“We traditionally have people from mainland Europe, the US and Australia. I’ve met some people from Portugal and Spain, which has a few coursing meetings.
“It’s a fantastic countryside sport and a great spectacle which Irish people really appreciate.”
A bitch owned by former Republic of Ireland football international, Niall Quinn, won her first round of the Oaks at noon.
Mr Quinn, who has north Tipperary roots, and also co-owns The Local bar in Clonmel, said: “I love coming here. It’s a great day out in the fresh air.”
Relaxing with friends in the stands, he said of Chelsea Girl, “She’s a bit young but it’s not easy to win a round at Clonmel so I’m very happy with that.”
Experienced course bookie Patsy Browne from West Limerick, said a lot of money had been wagered on local competitor Smokey Zero for the Oaks and Judicial Roy for the derby.
Mr Browne, who is the third generation of his family to work at the championships, added: “It’s the Ascot of coursing. It’s the Mecca.”
The expected protest by Animal Rights activists did not materialise today.
Former footballer and film actor Vinnie Jones did not attend today but is expected to make an appearance on Wednesday.
Irish sports minister, John O’Donoghue is also a coursing supporter and is due to attend.
UK coursing fan Michael Jordan travelled from Galloway in Scotland with friends for the three-day event.
The dry-stone waller, who sported a skunk fur hat, said: “It’s our first time here. Coursing is like a religion in Ireland and it’s where it can be enjoyed the most.”
The famous Powerstown Park course has been used for horse racing since the early 1800s and the first coursing meeting was held in 1925.
The venue is considered more difficult than most because of a hill which slows down weaker greyhounds.
