Important update for handlers regarding potential point-to-point bumpers

The IHRB have released further information regarding the possibility of running bumpers for horses with hunter certificates once the Irish government has deemed it safe for sporting events to resume.

The proposal was first muted in the press release issued on Thursday, April 2, when it was announced that the spring point-to-point season had been cancelled due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

The update regarding the proposal for bumpers for horses with Hunter Certificates states:

“Organised by the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee, in conjunction with Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, Horse Racing Ireland, p2p.ie and Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board, the intention would be to hold these races shortly after the current restrictions on sporting events have been lifted by the Government.

“It is envisaged that these bumpers would be held on a racecourse and professionally recorded to a high standard with the view to market the participants to potential purchasers. There will be no prizemoney, and there will be an entry fee. 

“These races are restricted to horses with a Hunter Certificate which are in the care of handlers with a current permit. If you have a horse which you wish to partake in one of these races which does not have a current Hunter Certificate, you can apply for one as normal prior to the event.

“IHRB will provide integrity services to ensure horse’s identities and the rider’s weights are verified. Only riders with current QR permits may participate.

“Further details on how these races will be run will be issued in due course and will be dependent on the level of interest and numbers of horses. It is hoped that we can run 4yo only races, 5yo only races and possibly 6yo and upwards races, and if numbers permit, we will keep the sexes apart.

“In order to establish the level of demand that may exist for the running of such races, we would ask you to reply to huntercerts@ihrb.ie by 12 noon on Wednesday April 8th indicating possible number of horses that you may have to partake and their age/sex. Alternatively, should you have any queries, don’t hesitate to contact us at huntercerts@ihrb.ie .

“Once demand has been established for such an event, we will issue further clarifications and guidance to you by email and through p2p.ie and IHRB twitter account (@ihrb_ie).”