EAST ANTRIM (H) at Loughanmore on 18th May 2019
First Race: 2:00 pm
Entry: 134
Admission: £5
This year the East Antrim hunt will host their point-to-point fixture at the Wilson Dennison-owned farm at Loughanmore. The track has seen numerous stars over the years including the Cheltenham Festival winner Ted Veale and the Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up Truckers Tavern.
Hunt secretary, Beth Armstrong kindly spoke to us about this weekends preparations.
"The track is being watered every evening and we have a lot more grass than last month. We have received a good entry and the track is being inspected today (Thursday)."
"Our hunt ladies look after catering for the farmers, volunteers and sponsors etc and we also have coffee, ice-cream and candy floss stands as well as a bar."
LAOIS (F) at Stradbally on 19th May 2019 - CANCELLED
First Race: CANCELLED
Entry: 97
Admission: €10 and €5 for OAP's
The Laois Foxhounds have held their point meetings on the grounds of Stradbally Hall for over 20 years. Dating back to the middle of the 19th century, Stradbally Hall has been with the Cosby family since the reign of Edward VI and is situated in picturesque parkland which provides excellent viewing for spectators.
We spoke with hunt secretary David Lalor to find out how preparations have been going.
"The preparations have been going well. We are happy but we're just hoping for a bit of rain before Sunday."
"We have very good catering on the day for owners and trainers etc which is kindly provided by the ladies of the hunt committee."
UNITED HUNT (F) at Ballindenisk on 19th May 2019
First Race: 2:00 pm
Entry: 126
Admission: €8
Ballindenisk has a long standing tradition of hosting point-to-points, with the first meeting daiting back over 100 years. Located on Robert Fells farm, the venue is also a popular eventing venue whoch has previously hosted European and World Championships. Top class horses such as Conna Castle, Native Jack and Arctic Copper have been produced on the County Cork track.
We spoke with Dan Kissane to find out how the preparations have been coming along.
"We spiked the ground today (Thursday) and we will be watering tomorrow morning and most likely up until Saturday afternoon."
"The local United Hunt Pony Club are running a children's painting competition and they will be fundraising by running a tea, coffee and refreshments stall also."
GALWAY BLAZERS at Loughrea on 19th Mat 2019
First Race: 2:00 pm
Entry: 134
Admission: €10
The Galway Blazers, who date back to the beginning of the 19th century, host two point-to-point fixtures throughout the year at Dartfield just outside Loughrea. The venue is located at the Dartfield House Museum and heritage centre set on 350 acres of parkland. The course has seen many stars over the years including Bewleys Berry, Never Compromise and King Johns Castle.
