Racing: Dundalk reportThe first ever all-weather race meeting in Ireland was run off to almost universal praise at Dundalk yesterday and even before the last race was run at the new 38 million stadium, at least one high-profile visitor was encouraging the development of a second Polytrack racecourse in this country.

Aidan O'Brien ran the number one horse in the very first race, and although Marcus Brutus could ultimately manage only fifth behind Ms Victoria, the champion trainer saw enough to make the long road from South Tipperary to Dundalk a regular prospect for the team that travel his horses. "The more racing there is here, the better," summed up O'Brien who also indicated that the days of sending his potential Breeders' Cup runners to prepare for dirt racing by galloping on all-weather tracks in England are gone.

"We will be sending plenty of horses here. You only have to see how testing the ground has been at the Curragh for the last two meetings to realise how important a track like this is.

"It is something that has been badly needed in this country but now it's there, it means we are connected up to the rest of the world. More and more of these tracks are being installed in America and it means there will be much more consistency for everyone involved, those who are breeding, training and betting, and consistency is what everyone wants," he added.

Asked about whether he would like another polytrack, possibly closer to home at Ballydoyle, O'Brien replied: "I would welcome another all-weather - big time."

Horse Racing Ireland's chairman Denis Brosnan described the opening, which was conducted by Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dermot Ahern, as a "dream come true". HRI's chief executive Brian Kavanagh added: "They've done a wonderful job at Dundalk to get it finished on time and to such a standard."

Crucially there was also enthusiasm from the jockeys and the legendary rider, Michael Kinane, summed up: "It's a good surface, it rode great, and it's as good as you'd get anywhere."

After John Murtagh steered home the 14 to 1 shot Ms Victoria, who achieved her own little bit of history in the five-furlong conditions race, he added: "I like everything about it. The track rides very fair and the bends are good."

Murtagh was also on the juvenile colts maiden winner Leandros who was two and a half lengths too good for the favourite, Mr Medici, who was denied a run up the rail outside the furlong pole.

Emmpat edged out All The Good to win the most valuable pot of the day, the €75,000 Premier Handicap, for Charlie Swan.

"My gallop at home is similar to this and I thought he might fly around here as he is unbelievable at home," said the former champion jockey of his money-spinning nine year old. "He's a very good horse on good ground." Swan added. "We need this place badly, and I'd say it will do well, especially with people coming down from Belfast."

The day's other Premier Handicap, over six furlongs, fell to the Dublin runner Rainbow Rising who short-headed Benwilt Breeze under Pat Smullen.

That fitted in with the general feel-good atmosphere although there were grumbles about the facilities for stable staff at the new track. That could soon change, and punters left to bet with just 12 bookmakers due to a dispute between the track and the Bookmakers Association, will be hoping the same comment applies to them. But for now, Dundalk is off to a flyer.