The annual Dungarvan point to point races at Kilossera take place on Sunday January 21st, with the first race off at 12.30pm.
Always a popular event in the West Waterford social calendar this year’s event promises to be as strong as ever with a mix of local trainers and horses mixing it with the powerhouses of the Irish point to point racing scene. Plenty of future stars have emerged from the fields in Kilossera with Cheltenham festival, Grand National and Lexus Chase winners starting out in the shape of Jessies Dream, Montys Pass and Pandorama.
Established in 1942 the Dungarvan Farmers point to point still operates on its original site on the Curran, Sheehan and Kiely lands. The prime agricultural land beneath “the hill” creates a wonderful natural amphitheatre for one of the South East’s oldest and most famous points.
For those contemplating a small wager at the weekend, a local trainer to watch out for is Declan Queally, who operates a highly regarded operation from his Cappagh base. Following a treble at the fixture last year, punters will be paying close attention to Queally’s runners. He is once again targeting stable star Minellaforvalue at the Tom Fleming Equine Dentist Open, an event the 12yo gelding won last year prior to a sixth place finish at the Cheltenham festival. Declan said of his stalwart “he is a great horse and seems in as good form as ever but he is a 12yo now and that extra year can make a big difference. We’d be hoping for a bold showing and the plan would be to return to Cheltenham at this stage but we will have to see how he goes at Dungarvan first”.
The Confined maiden is a race targeted by locally owned horses and Queally plans to run Chance It, owned by point to point committee member Paddy Corkery. Queally says “he has been running under rules of late and hopefully this is a good opportunity for him and he will run well for connections”.
With a vibrant betting ring, an array of food choices and an excellent view (including a big screen), the point to point is an ideal family day out. Parking is free and entry is only €8 for adults with children under 16 attending free of charge.
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