Friday 20th & Saturday 21st April
Largy, Co. Antrim
Largy Rd, Crumlin, Co. Antrim
First Race Friday: 4:00
First Race Saturday: 2:00
Number of Entries Friday: 84
Number of Entries Saturday: 120
Admission Prices: £5 and free for U12's
The Killultagh Hunt has been running Point-to-Point’s since the late 1800s, during the war the race was held near the old Enkalon site, in Antrim known as ‘The Bog Meadow’s’.
In the 50’s and 60’s they located to Pigeon Town, Glenavy. Then moved to Ballyarnot, Aldergrove. Then Lennymore in Crumlin.
Their present meeting is held on the Largy Road, by kind permission of Dr Peter Fitzgerald and Randox Laboratories who also sponsor the Aintree Grand National.
Largy point-to-point has some excellent viewing for the public as the whole course can be viewed from the main book makers/viewing area. The point-to-point course is situated only a few minutes away from Lough Neagh which is the largest lake by area in the British Isles.
Saturday 21st April
Courtown, Co. Wexford
Ounvarragh, Courtown, Gorey, Co. Wexford
Gates Open: 12:00 noon
First Race: 2:00 pm
Number of Entries: 123
Admission Prices: €10
Courtown will hold its rescheduled meeting in what is its second year at the current location.
There will be a bouncing castle and a number of children’s activities on the day to be sure to keep the younger racegoers entertained all day long.
Courtown and the surrounding area is blessed with fabulous long sandy beaches stretching from Kilpatrick beach which is north of Courtown and should you drive down the coast road from Courtown to Wexford you will come across a plethora of beaches for you to choose from.
Sunday 22nd April
Ballysteen, Co. Limerick
Askeaton, Co. Limerick
Gates Open: 12:00 noon
First Race: 2:00
Number of Entries: 134
Admission Prices: €10
All roads lead to Ballysteen on Sunday where the Stonehall Harriers will be staging their second meeting of the season.
Point-to-point secretary Liam Fitsimmons commented; “We will be doing the final preparation on the track this evening and tomorrow but we are happy with how everything is looking.
“We got a great entry and are lucky to have had some very good horses run at Ballysteen in the past including Faugheen and Monksland.
“There will be something for all ages on Sunday as we have a dog show and terrier racing due to take place. We will have a fully kitted bar that will be showing the Munster v Racing 92 match live as well some live music racing taking place.
“We have a great prize for race goers as there will be a €1000 prize for the most appropriately dressed lady and €300 for the most appropriately dressed male racegoer.
“We are very fortunate to have a great committee and also to receive the support from our local sponsors and business’ who we rely on so much for their generosity each year.
“Our catering on the day will be supplied by the local parent’s board, Bord Na Og who will have endless amounts of food on offer for Sunday and any profits made from the catering will go direct to their organisation.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the point-to-point landowners John and Mary Neville who have been great supporters of the Stonehall Harriers over the years.
Ballysteen Entries
Dromahane, Co. Cork
Dromahane, Mallow, Co. Cork
Gates Open: 12:00 noon
First Race: 2:00 pm
Number of Entries: 135
Admission Prices: €8
The town of Doneraile, in North Cork, is situated in the heartland of National hunt racing history. It was in Doneraile in 1752 that the first recorded steeplechase finished at the spire of the local Protestant Church having started over 4 miles away in Buttevant at the spire of their local Protestant Church. Since 1752, North Cork has continuously held centre stage in national hunt racing.
Doneraile point-to-point was first held in 1974 on the lands of the late Con O’Keeffe and in more recent times, the Doneraile Point-to-Point has been held at the nearby Dromahane course.
Point-to-point secetary Declan O'Keeffe reported;" The track is in great condition and we will have fresh ground available on sunday.
"We will also have a bouncy castle for our younger racegoers and are hopefull of a great days racing"
Dromahane is one of the premier point-to-point tracks in Ireland, always providing competitive action and stages between three to five meetings per season. It has produced some excellent horses over the years such as Call Me Dara, Function Dream, Gunther McBride, Keen Leader, Celestial Gold, Ballyhampshire Boy, Rockholm Boy, Montys Pass, Arctic Times, Fundamentalist, My Home Town, Tea for Three and Ask Tom.
