Weekend Outlook 22nd & 23rd February 2020

Tynan & Armagh (F) at Farmaclaffey on 22nd Feb 2020

First Race: 13:00pm
Number of Entries: 55
Admission: £5
Preview: Winged Leader bids to follow up on his win at Kirkistown.

The first point-to-point at Farmacaffley was held in 1895 and has remained in the same location ever since, making it one of the oldest meetings on the fixture list.

Over the years, Farmacaffley point to point has produced horses such as Grand National winning Bindaree and the 2003 Cheltenham Gold Cup runner up Truckers Tavern.

During the week hunt secretary Brian Dougan updated us on how the preparations are going for the meeting.

"The track passed the turf club inspection this morning and its a track that drys very quickly, so hopefully the rain will stay away.

"Jim McManus is providing onsite catering alongside Fosters Chocolates and our local pub Basil Sheils will be providing a bar on the day."

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Bray (H) at Tinahely on 23rd Feb 2020

First Race: 13:00pm
Number of Entries: 69
Admission: €10
Preview: On The Sod looks to increase his seasons tally.

Located just an hour and a half from Dublin city, Tinahely is a pretty village in south-west Wicklow with a longstanding tradition of point-to-pointing since 1989.

Jamie Codd became the first modern-day rider to ride all six winners on the one card at the Tinahely point in October 2011.

Hunt secretary Mairead Waters kindly spoke to us about the course preparations during the week.

"Preparations are well underway for Sunday and the track is in great shape. The Clerk of the course John Fitzpatrick is coming down today to have a look at the track and the Turf Club will do their inspection on Friday.

“Members of the hunt will be supplying catering to the hospitality tent for owners, trainers and jockeys and there will also be a chip van on site."

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Duhallow (F) at Kildorrery on 23rd Feb 2020
First Race: 13:00pm
Number of Entries: 99
Admission: €10
Preview: Mister Sweets seeks to go one better than his first two starts.

The Duhallow hunt has been providing the perfect family day out at Kildorrery since they held their first point in 1939. The fixture moved to its current picturesque location in 1979. Some memorable horses have run at this track including the 2003 Aintree Grand National winner Monty's Pass.

Hunt secretary Marie Harding talked us through the event preparations during the week.

"We are all set for the weekend. The course and the grass cover is as good as it has ever been, and we have received a nice entry. The Turf Club inspection will take place on Friday at 12 o’clock.

“We have a lot of entertainment happening outside of the racing on the day including a dog show which starts at 14:00pm, all proceeds go to My Lovely Horse Charity. Categories include puppy class, best small dog, best large dog, Junior handler (U12) small dog, Junior handler (U12) large dog, golden oldie, best rescue dog, best fancy dress and overall champion. There will be rosettes for all participants and prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places.

“We will be holding a children's art competition, the theme for the competition is ‘My fun day at the races’. All pictures should be submitted before 14.00pm to the main tent and the age categories are 4-6, 7-9, 10-13. Winners will be announced at 15.30pm. There will be great prizes and rosettes for all entries.

“There will also be children’s fun races on the day. The races start at 13.30pm and include a fun run, egg and spoon, wellie throwing for all different ages.

“Refreshments will be provided by the Kildorrery Scouts in the tent and Denis Nolan catering will also be on site providing hot food.”

For more information click here.