Point to Point Bumper Trials

Following a consultation process this week with all Point to Point Handlers and other Point to Point industry stakeholders by the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee (INHSC) and the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB), the level of interest expressed for the proposed Point to Point Bumper Trials for horses with Hunter Certificates was sufficient that the concept be explored and developed further.

This event will be organised in conjunction with Horse Racing Ireland (HRI), Irish Thoroughbred Marketing (ITM), and p2p.ie.

“Over 80 individual handlers got in touch to express an interest, and so on that basis we will look to progress with organising the event, which we would hope would take place shortly after the Government restrictions on Sporting Events have been lifted” stated Niall Cronin, Communications Manager of the IHRB.

“The aim of these trials is to help with the marketing of the participants in the absence of Point to Points with the trials recorded to a high standard and made available to view online for potential purchasers.

"The IHRB will provide integrity services to verify the identities and vaccination status of the horses involved and the Qualified Riders will carry weights similar to a Point to Point which will be published. Subject to final numbers, it is hoped that the trials will be organised by age of the horse and/or sex.

"The intention is to hold them on a racecourse, there will be no prizemoney and there will be an entry fee to participate,” he added.

Further details will be issued as the concept is developed further and the situation regarding restrictions on sporting events becomes clearer.