CO CLARE (H) at Quakerstown on 21st April 2019
First Race: 2:00 pm
Entries: 137
Admission: €10, free for U16's
Set against the scenic backdrop of the Burren the County Clare hunt host their annual meeting on Easter Sunday at Quakerstown in Boston. The track has produced plenty of young talent in recent years with the likes of Cheltenham festival winner Champagne Fever securing success on his debut here in 2011. While Bacardys and Next Destination, both Grade 1 winning horses, found success at the Clare track also.
Paul O'Neill, hunt secretary for the Clare hunt filled us in on how the preparations have been going.
"Everything is in good shape, the fences went in last week and we are monitoring the ground to assess whether it will need to be watered. The entry is huge which is great so hopefully we will have good racing on Sunday"
"We have lots of activities throughout the day including a country market, face painting, pony rides, dog shows, terrier racing and jiving. The jiving will be on throughout the day in a heated marquee."
"There is also a most appropriately dressed lady competition worth €1,500 and a most appropriately dressed man competition worth €700. Gourmet food will be supplied by Steak Out on the day."
BALLYMACAD (F) at Oldcastle on 21st April 2019
First Race: 2:30 pm
Entries: 133
Admission: €10, free for U16's
The Ballymacad foxhounds have held their point fixture at Newcastle, Oldcastle since 1977. The track is great for spectator viewing and has produced some noteworthy sorts through the years including Livelovelaugh and Flashing Steel. White railing on the course adds to the atmosphere, recreating the feel of being at an actual race meeting.
"The course is looking great and we will be spiking the ground before Sunday as well. We are delighted with the entry, it's great to see with so many meetings on throughout the weekend," said point-to-point secretary Rachel Gilsenan.
"We have plenty of activities planned for the day including a dog show, a bouncy castle and there will be hospitality on Sunday also so it's set to be a great day out for all!"
WATERFORD (F) at Curraghmore on 21st April 2019
First Race: 2:00 pm
Entries: 183
The Waterford foxhounds host their point-to-point fixture on the stunning grounds of Curraghmore Estate in Portlaw. An historic home of the 9th Marquis of Waterford, Curraghmore House is situated amidst 2,500 acres of formal gardens, woodlands and grazing fields.
"All the preparations are going well. We are delighted with the entry this year and we expect to have very good racing on Sunday. The ground is lovely, there's a good covering of grass and the course will be inspected tomorrow (Friday)."
"Our hunt committee provides very good food and refreshments in the tea tent on the day also."
