Image Caption: Connections of Boldplay, winner of the opening leg of the 2026/2027 GAIN Mares Series at Tattersalls P2P, with trainer Paul Bailie, jockey William Hamilton and Sarah McGrath, GAIN Equine Nutrition.
The road to Ballynoe began at Tattersalls on Sunday as the first qualifier in the 2026/2027 GAIN Mares Series took place, launching another season-long journey towards one of the most coveted targets in Irish point-to-point racing.
The opening leg saw Boldplay, owned and trained by Paul Bailie and ridden by William Hamilton, secure the first qualifying victory of the season and take an early step towards next spring's final at Ballynoe, Co. Cork.
Over the coming months, mares across the country will compete for the opportunity to earn their place in the final, with each qualifier bringing connections one step closer to Ballynoe. The series continues to play an important role in the development of young mares while giving owners, handlers and riders a valuable target throughout the point-to-point season.
The 2026 final produced a landmark moment in the history of the series when Áine Connolly became the first female rider to win the prestigious GAIN Mares Series Final with Josh Halley's Lucy Wang. As a new season gets underway, a fresh group of mares and connections will now set their sights on following in their footsteps.
The 2026/2027 GAIN Mares Series will continue at point-to-point fixtures across Ireland throughout the season, culminating in the final at Ballynoe next spring. A €3,000 bonus will be awarded to the owner of the winning mare in the final, subject to confirmation.
Speaking following the opening leg, John Hore, Business Manager at GAIN Equine Nutrition, said:
"The start of the GAIN Mares Series always marks the beginning of an exciting journey for everyone involved. Every season brings new mares, new connections and new stories, all with the shared ambition of reaching Ballynoe.
We're proud to continue supporting a series that means so much to owners, handlers and riders across the country. It showcases the strength and depth of Irish point-to-point racing and we look forward to seeing this year's qualifiers emerge as the road to Ballynoe unfolds."
Sarah Ann Madden of p2p.ie added: "The GAIN Mares Series has become a highly valued part of the point-to-point season, and its longevity is testament to the continued commitment GAIN Equine Nutrition has shown to the sport over many years."
The series provides handlers with an important target for their mares throughout the season and creates real momentum across the point-to-point calendar."
"It was great to see the 2026/2027 series get underway at Tattersalls, and we look forward to following the qualifiers and their connections over the coming months."
To qualify for the final, mares must be maidens at the beginning of the season and finish first, second or third in a qualifying point-to-point race during the current season.
Through its continued support of the GAIN Mares Series, GAIN Equine Nutrition continues to champion Irish point-to-point racing and the owners, trainers, riders and communities at its heart.
Series Dates
• Tattersalls – Sunday 25 October 2026 (Meath Foxhounds & Tara Harriers)
• Lisronagh – Saturday 31 October 2026 (Tipperary Foxhounds)
• Damma House – Sunday 1 November 2026 (Kilkenny Hunt)
• Knockmullen House – Sunday 8 November 2026 (Wexford Foxhounds)
• Turtulla – Sunday 15 November 2026 (Golden Vale)
• Tinahely – Sunday 15 November 2026 (Wicklow Foxhounds)
• Lingstown – Sunday 22 November 2026 (Killinick Harriers)
• Borris House – Sunday 29 November 2026 (Carlow Farmers Hunt)
• Ballycrystal – Sunday 6 December 2026 (Ballinagore Hunt Club)
