NEWRY (H) at Taylorstown on 27 April 2019
First Race: 2:00 pm
Entry: 123
Admission: £5 and U16's are free
*Schooling to take place immediately after racing.
The Newry Hunt, formed in 1820, will host their annual point-to-point on Sunday at Taylorstown. The fixture, which has been held at this venue for two decades, has seen some noteworthy horses throughout the years including Grade 2 winner Truckers Tavern and the Galway Plate winner Ballyholland.
We spoke to hunt secretary of the Newry Hunt, Ian Bryson, to find out about the preparations have been going.
"Preparations have been going well. The course was inspected this morning, the ground is good to yielding and there is plenty of grass on the course."
"Blaze And Roll, the local burger van company will be in attendance on the day and there will be a beer tent for spectators also."
DONERAILE (H) at Dromahane on 28 April 2019
First Race: 2:00 pm
Entry: 177
Admission: €8
The popular Dromahane track, situated near Mallow, has produced some top class horses over the years including the undefeated Honeysuckle and the Cheltenham winner Black Hercules. The former recently enjoyed Grade 1 success in the mares novice hurdle at Fairyhouse for Henry De Bromhead and Rachel Blackmore. Current owner Kenneth Alexander purchased the daughter of Sulamani for £110,000 after winning her four-year-old debut at Dromahane last April.
"The entry is huge so we are delighted with that. There is fresh ground on the course with plenty of grass. We are spiking tomorrow (Friday) and there is plenty of rain forecast over the next couple of days."
"We are particularly pleased with the numbers in the winners race and would like to thank the INHSC for the generous €3,250 bonus."
"For the younger generation we will have an animal farm onsite, catering will also be available on the day."
MEATH (F) & TARA (H) at Fairyhouse on 28 April 2019
First Race: 2:30 pm
Entry: 191
*There will be no schooling after racing at Fairyhouse.
The Meath Foxhounds and Tara Hunt will host their point-to-point fixture on Sunday at Fairyhouse.
We spoke to Robert Dore to find out how the preparations have been coming along.
"It's all systems go here. We are thrilled with the 191 strong entry and there has been plenty of rain falling so the ground should be perfect for the weekend. The Turf Club inspection will take place tomorrow (Friday)."
"We are due to hold two pony races before racing starts. We also have a dog show, bouncy castle and face painting so Sunday is set to be a fun, family day out!"
BREE (F) at Monksgrange on 28 April 2019
First Race: 2:00 pm
Entry: 145
Having hosted their last point fixture at the end of March the Bree Hunt return to Monksgrange this Sunday. The track has produced some notable horses over the years including the Grade 1 winner Samcro.
Barry O'Neill steered the son of Germany to success at Monksgrange on his debut back in April 2016 for Kiltealy handler Colin Bowe. The Rathnure venue is also popular amongst local handlers as a schooling facility.
