NORTH KILKENNY (F) at Ballyragget on 15th March 2020
First Race: 13:30
Number of Entries: 105
Admission: €10 and U16's are free
Preview: Victorias Peak looks to go one better than her first two starts
The North Kilkenny Foxhounds point-to-point is a right-handed track that is practically flat, making this a great course for viewing. This meeting has been run at Parksgrove in Ballyragget since 1989. Some notable horses enjoyed success here including Grade 1 winning Herecomesthetruth and Grade 2 winning Luska Lad.
We spoke with hunt secretary Billy Healy during the week to see how the preparations for Sunday were coming along.
"The preparations have been going well this week. There is a good covering of grass and the course is ready to go. The turf club will inspect the track on Friday afternoon. We have had a good bit of rain but the track dries out fairly quickly and we are forecast to have a nice day Sunday.
"There will be food stalls at the meeting on Sunday aswell and we will hold schooling on Monday 16th March from 08.00 – 13.00pm."
For more information click here.
KILWORTH & ARAGLEN (H) at Ballyarthur on 15th March 2020
First Race: 13:30
Number of Entries: 66
Admission: €10 including card, ladies and u16's are free
Preview: Templebredin bids to return to the winners’ enclosure
Ballyarthur point-to-point racing provides a fun day out for family and friends in the Irish countryside, where you will get to witness the future stars of the racing industry make their introduction into competitive racing. Last year saw the return of the same track that was used in 2016 and is sure to provide a fun, family day out.
Located a stone’s throw from Fermoy town, racing is sure to bring a great crowd and promises to be a fabulous day racing!
Runners previously began alongside the final obstacle and had a stiff uphill climb to the winning line, however a new starting and finishing point were introduced in 2019, that was well received.
We caught up with hunt secretary Liam O' Doherty this week to check how the preparations for Sunday were coming along.
"Preparations are coming along just lovely. Racing will commence at 13.00pm and the track is all set and the turf club will be inspecting tomorrow.
"The course is right beside the town so we are hoping that the locals will come along and show their support for the hunt. We will have Kearney’s chip van onsite along with a tea and coffee van from John Joseph O’Donovan.”
For more information click here.
NORTH GALWAY (F) at Belclare on 15th March 2020
First Race: 14:00pm
Number of Entries: 91
Admission: €10
Preview: Just A Dime looks to follow up his second at Cragmore with a win.
The North Galway Hunt host their annual Point-to-Point fixture in early March each year at Michael Cunningham’s Land in Golden Park, Belclare which is situated just off the N17 between Galway city and Tuam, and is considered by Point-to-Point experts to be very safe and ideal location for racing, as the land supports a level course with no rise or descent on the circuit.
The North Galway Point-to Point have had the honour of hosting the maiden race in Belclare for many years, famously won by the legendary ‘Best Mate’, before going on to win three Cheltenham Gold Cups and ‘The Thinker’ who also ran at the North Galway Point-to-Point and subsequently won a Gold Cup race.
We caught up with hunt secretary Brona Mooney to find out how the preparations were coming along.
"Preparations have been super, we are all set to go now for Sunday and the inspection will take place tomorrow (Friday).
"On the day we also have a members Charity Fun Run in aid of Galway Hospice which will take place after the last and we have a competition for the most appropriately dressed lady sponsored by Simply Chic Hat Hire.
" We will be holding schooling at Belclare after racing on Sunday 15th March and again on Monday 16th March.”
For more information and directions to Belclare click here.
