Lingstown organisers invite British entries for valuable Cross Country

The picturesque south east coast of Ireland will play host to one of the most valuable point-to-point race days ever staged, when over €10,000 in prize money will be up for grabs at Lingstown in March, a prize pot that organisers are hoping will tempt British connections to cross the Irish Sea.

Taking place close to the small Wexford village of Tomhaggard, Lingstown has staged point-to-point racing for close to 60 years at the ever-popular course with its picturesque setting that has the backdrop of the Irish Sea and Tacumshane Lake.

The Hearne Line Marking open cross country race will be the undoubted feature of the day, with the race worth no less than €3,050, making it one of the most valuable point-to-point races that will be run this year in Britain or Ireland.

Ahead of the March 8th fixture, organisers have extended an open invitation to British runners to participate in the race, for what would be a unique opportunity for them to compete in a cross country races under point-to-point rules.

“We have put a lot of work into our cross country course in recent times, and added a new in-field section to it ahead of last year’s fixture, which was very well received,” said fixture secretary Anita Ronan.

“Thanks to the support of our sponsor Hearne Line Marking, we have been able to put up a great prize fund for the race and we would be delighted to extend an Irish welcome to any British runners for the race.

“We believe it is the only active point-to-point with a cross country course anywhere in the British Isles, so it really is a unique challenge that we are determined to preserve.

“The race itself is open to all horses, four-year-old and upwards, with the exception of four-year-old maidens, that hold a valid hunter certificate from any hunt in Ireland, England or Wales. We had a number of visitors over from Wales last year, and hopefully this year they might be back with a runner or two on the day.”

The course at Lingstown, just a 15-minute drive from Rosslare Harbour, with its twice daily sea-link to the Welsh ports of Fishguard and Pembroke, is right-handed and features a variety of obstacles to challenge horses and riders alike, including two double banks on each circuit, up banks, drop banks, bullfinch, and a spruce fence amongst others, with a total of 32 obstacles jumped in the three-mile contest.

The fixture is a local one for one of the all-time great amateur riders Jamie Codd, with part of his families land hosting the popular race meeting, and the winning-most amateur rider at the Cheltenham Festival is looking forward to hopefully welcoming some British challengers for the race.

“It is a unique race with a big history,” said Codd who will be using his local fixture as a final preparation before going in search of a tenth victory at the Cheltenham Festival later that week.

“There are some fantastic names that have won it like Beggars Lane, Ten Shuck Men and Cousin Joe that had a big local following.

“It is great that the committee are still hosting the race, as the only point-to-point cross country race in Britain or Ireland and we are extremely proud of it.

“It is one of the highlights of the year for the locals, and it would be a great addition to have a couple of horses come across the water to take part. They will certainly be made very welcome!”