It was a spectacular occasion at the Markets Field on Saturday with the Kerry AgriBusiness Irish St Leger attendance considerably higher than 12 months ago despite a direct clash with horse racing at Greenmount.

I do not wish to take sides but every effort should be made to avoid such a clash in future. Maybe a Sunday night Leger final could be arranged, provided such a fixture would not clash with the Limerick hurlers being in championship action elsewhere in the province.

The attendance on Saturday was not a record but betting on the tote set a new high and while there was disappointment that the €35,000 top prize was not pocketed by a local owner there was a good run by the Alan Higgins-owned Goldmine Emre (2) who was second all the way, though beaten two lengths by the 29.71 winner, Boherash Gaoithe (6), who made all for a 29.17 win over the 550 yards.

Shaneboy Maria (5), owned by Master Matt Kiely of Kilmallock, was fifth and earned her owner €2,500 while her litter sister, Shaneboy Sophia (2) was third, beaten by lengths by the 29.66 winner of the Consolation final for Master Eoghan Kiely.

The Kielys did not end up without a winner, as Shaneboy Nadal (Hondo Black-Shaneboy Ruth), in trap four, scored for father Denis, taking the open 525 by a length and a half in 28.79 from Rockingham (5), owned by Paddy Reeves.

There was a marvellous run in an A1 by Goldmine Gold (Goldmine Ramble-Springview Cindy). He flew from trap five and made every yard for a six lengths win in 28.58, for Frank Tobin of Rathkeale and trainer Pat Guilfoyle.

The A2 Sweep Final over 550 yards had €800 for the winner and again there was a local success: Ensure Jack (Blackjack Tom-Bredas Angel). Showing best early pace from trap three, he led all the way for a two lengths win in 30.00 for Mark O'Riordan of Kilmallock and Caherconlish trainer, John Rainsford, from Leamaneigh Coole (1), owned by Paddy Hennessy of Kilteely and trained by Suzanne O'Neill, who was baulked at the first bend but remained in second place all the way.

The most exciting finish of the night was in the Open 700 in which the verdicts were a neck, a neck and a head, which had the crowd on its toes in the final stages.

The camera showed that Canavour Lass (Just The Best-Miss Opulence), won in 39.17 for John Lyons and Pauline Ryan of Kilmallock and trainer Pat O'Connell. It was an all local 1-2-3. Banker (1) trained by Denis P O Malley for the Keep It Country syndicate in Bruff was second, ahead of Reagrove Gent (6), trained by Mick Downes of Killaloe for his wife, Janet.

Amongst the many longtime supporters I met was Eddie Holliday from the Ennis Road. "I was present on the night the track opened in 1937 with my uncle when I was only nine and I have seen all but three of the Leger finals since then," Eddie told me.

There should another very big attendance this Saturday when the Limerick GAA Supporters stage their annual fundraising race night.

Another top class programme has been arranged and with the superb display by the footballers last Sunday and the hurlers in action at Thurles next Sunday, it will be another gala occasion. This is usually the best attended of the many benefit meetings held here.

There will also be heats of a number of sweepstakes this Thursday as part of the build-up to the Old Christians GAA Club Benefit Night on Saturday week.

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