Teams reveiled for this months Anglo-Irish Challenge

Ireland’s largest Point-to-Point and Country Fair, takes place on Sunday, October 29th 2017 at the Devenish Lands at Dowth. Building on the success of last year, this year’s event will also host the Hannon Travel Anglo-Irish Point to Point Challenge at Dowth, kindly sponsored by Hannon Travel as top Point-to-Point Jockeys from Ireland & Great Britain go head-to-head in a hotly contested challenge race.

Lining out for Team Ireland will be leading lady jockey and face of the 2017 Point-to-Point; Lisa O’Neill, six-time champion ladies title holder Liz Lalor, Derek O’Connor, who is the most successful Irish point-to-point rider of all time. Two-time National Champion Jamie Codd with over 1,000-winners to his name along with top riders Maxine O’Sullivan, Shauna Larkin, Barry O’Neill , the current Champion and Rob James.

Saddling up for Team Great Britain will be Will Biddick; a six-time Men's Champion & holder of the record for the number of wins in a Season in the UK and Gina Andrews who has been crowned Ladies' Champion four times. They will be joined by leading UK jockeys Claire Harwick, John Dawson, Tabitha Worsley, Katy Lyons, Alex Edwards and Evan David for what promises to be a thrilling contest over the two Challenge races.

There will also be four other races and two exciting pony club races to sign off the day’s action on the track.

Commenting on her sponsorship of the Anglo-Irish Point-to-Point challenge at Dowth, Eimer Hannon, Owner & Founder of Hannon Travel said:- “We are delighted to support the Anglo-Irish Point to Point Riders Challenge taking place at our local Point-to-Point track. We have a proud and long standing association with both the Tara Harriers and Meath Hunt and many of the jockeys, trainers and owners involved. We operate world-wide and through our dedicated travel team, deal with the racing world every day; always making travel as smooth and stress-free as possible. We are delighted to continue that support this October 29th and wish all the jockeys the very best of luck ahead of the challenge".

Commenting on the Inaugural Anglo Irish Point-to-Point, Founder of P2P.ie, Richard Pugh noted:- “The inclusion of the Anglo Irish Challenge at Dowth Hall this Autumn is a very exciting prospect. This meeting takes place before the British season is underway so all of their top riders are available to compete including Gina Andrew (Ellis) and Will Biddick who have enjoyed much success in the past in this challenge. The Irish teams include multiple champions Liz Lalor, Derek O’Connor and Jamie Codd while recent dual Kerry National winner Lisa O’Neill will also compete. Adding this challenge to such a well-attended event is sure to bring a terrific atmosphere on the day and it is a real opportunity for Irish Point to Pointing to showcase our sport to our UK neighbours”.

Last year’s event drew crowds of over 5,000. This year will see include an extended entertainment & Country Fair line up including the Maperath Mobile Farm, Newgrange Falconry, The Royal Meath Bee Keepers, The Deer Society, Fly-Tiers as well as Gun Dog, Shooting and Archery demos. A new addition for this year is The Equipet Dog Show. Popular categories will include classes for Best Family Pet, Best Toy Dog, Dog most like its Owner, Best Dressed Dog, Best Junior Handler, Waggiest Tail and the overall prize for Best in Show.

Visitors can also enjoy perusing the Shopping Village with brands such as Dubarry, Sports Den, John Fitzgerald Art, Nyles & Rafe, Carol Sheridan Interiors, Siobhan English Photography, Chislers Kids Clothing, Swaggles Dog Collars, H&S Basket-ware as well as a wide range of craft exhibitors to peruse.

Foodies can sample their way around the Artisan Food Market and enjoy food-on-the-hoof from the award-winning gourmet food & coffee vendors in the Picnic Paddock. with cookery demonstrations from food ambassador and Michelin star chef, Richard Corrigan.

Families can enjoy a wide range of free children’s entertainment and good old-school outdoorsy fun with bouncy castles, puppet shows, face-painting, magic shows, arts and crafts, pumpkin carving, outdoor games, pony rides, a Grow-Your-Own workshop and more. Kids entertainment is free and admission to The Point-to-Point is free for all children under 12.
 
Tickets are €10 each, under 12’s go free.
For further information on the day and to purchase tickets see: www.DowthP2P.ie