Point-to-Point Thread

convert

Now that the point-to-point season has started again, I thought it might be a nice idea to start a 'ptp thread' and give people a place to discuss the sport if so desired and plug local meetings, etc.

Here's a list of the upcoming point-to-points until Christmas:

POINT TO POINT FIXTURE LIST

SEPTEMBER

Sat 26th Route (H) Carrowmena, Carrowclard Rd., Limavady. L/H

Sun 27th Limerick (F) Bruff Rathcannon, Bruree, Co. Limerick. L/H

OCTOBER

Sat 3rd Co. Down (S) Derrydrummuck, Loughbrickland, Co. Down. L/H

Sun 4th Westmeath (F) Castletown-Geoghegan, Mullingar, Co Westmeath. L/H

Sat 10th Newry (H) Taylorstown, Co. Down. R/H

Sun 11th Shillelagh & District (F) Fairwood, Tinahely, Co. Wicklow. R/H

Sun 18th Galway Blazers (F) Dartfield, Kilreekill, Loughrea, Co. Galway. R/H

Sun 18th Kilmoganny (H) Gurteen Castle, Kilsheelan, Co. Tipperary. L/H

Sat 24th Mid Antrim (H) Moneyglass, Toomebridge, Co Antrim. L/H

Sat 24th North Galway (F) Ballinrobe Racecourse, Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo. R/H

Sun 25th Golden Vale (F) Glenbane, Holycross, Co. Tipperary. R/H

Sat 31st Iveagh (F) Bells' Hill, Maralin, Craigavon, Co. Armagh. L/H

NOVEMBER

Sun 1st Killinick (H) Lingstown, Tomhaggard, Co. Wexford. R/H

Sun 1st Suirvale (H) Fairyhill, Templemore, Co. Tipperary. R/H

Sun 8th Co. Roscommon (H) Rockfield, Roscommon. L/H

Sun 8th Kilkenny (F) Milltown, Kilmacow, Co. Kilkenny. R/H

Sun 8th South Union (F) Kinsale Farrangalway, Kinsale, Co. Cork. L/H

Sat 14th East Antrim (H) Loughanmore, Dunadry, Co. Antrim. L/H

Sun 15th Dungarvan (H) Affane, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford. L/H

Sun 15th Island Hunt (F) Ballydarragh, Gorey, Co. Wexford. L/H

Sat 21st Duhallow (F) Kanturk Dromore, Dromahane, Mallow, Co. Cork. L/H

Sat 21st North Down (F) Kirkistown, Portavogie, Co. Down. L/H

Sun 22nd Duhallow (F) Kanturk Dromore, Dromahane, Mallow, Co. Cork. L/H

Sun 22nd Tipperary (F) Lisronagh Lisronagh, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary. R/H

Sun 22nd Wexford (F) Lingstown, Tomhaggard, Co. Wexford. R/H

Sun 29th West Waterford (F) Boulta Boulta, Ballynoe, Co. Cork. L/H

Sun 29th Westmeath (H) & Longford (H) Killashee, Co. Longford. L/H

DECEMBER

Sun 6th United Hunt (F) Ballindenisk Watergrasshill, Ballindenisk, Co. Cork. R/H

Sun 13th United Hunt (F) Clonmult / Avaune, Dungourney, Co. Cork. R/H

Note: L/H = Left Hand Course R/H = Right Hand Course

convert

Point-to-Point website: http://www.p2p.ie/index.php

- contains lots of info about the point-to-points including upcoming fixtures, entries, results, riders, etc.


http://www.turfclub.ie/site/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11&Itemid=47

- regulatory body of racing

finbarrk

This would be better on the Racing forum. Half of whats on here hardly know what a point to point is.

convert

finbarrk wrote: »

This would be better on the Racing forum. Half of whats on here hardly know what a point to point is.

In fairness, most of the threads in the racing forum deal with gambling, with a few comments on specific horses/jockeys/races, etc. etc. I don't think I've ever seen a thread on a point-to-point (maybe apart from the one I brought up, and I think that only got one reply).

There have been a few threads in this forum about point-to-points, questions about schooling, etc. so I thought I'd introduce this one and see how it goes....


And please try to avoid insulting our members - just because not everyone is a ptp fan doesn't mean that their views are any less valuable or welcome!

convert

Point-to-point on Sunday 11 October at Fairwood, Tinahely, Co. Wicklow (where Tinahely Agricultural Show is held). First race is at 13.00

Entries for the races can be found here: http://www.p2p.ie/fixtures.php

There are also point-to-points in Loughrea and Kilsheelan on the same day and entries for those venues can be found here: http://www.p2p.ie/fixtures.php

Wicked

how did Tinahely go? was it very heavy? any horses stand out?

convert

The ground was actually quite good in Tinahely, though it did get a bit sticky towards the end of the day as the sods that had been upturned tended to dry out. Still, it was an enjoyable day and it was actually quite nice not to have so many divisions.... Meant I could stay for the last race

Winner of the first division of the 6yo+ geldings division stood out and won well.
Open and winners of one races were ok, too. Loggan Lass won her race in a very tight finish.

Wicked

i've heard of loggan lass alright. i had got a tip for one in 6 year olds actually - Lord Thai, heard he fell but the p2p website has him down as pulled up. don't suppose you seen him.

didn't get to go, its usually a good track, so what's the story with less divisions? is there just not as many running this year or is it because its the beginning of the season?

convert

Off the top of my head, I can't remember whether he fell or pulled up. However, it wouldn't be the first time that the p2p website has incorrect form up...

I think the fewer divisions are down to the time of year - it's very early for point-to-points and most horses would only be coming into training around now with a view to racing early in January/February. It's a bit of an awkward time of the year, really, as most NH horses will have been out for the summer.

Wicked

yeah its an awkward time of year alright. what do you think of point to points really?
i always thought the prize money could be better and the number of horses in a race. it seems like they just allow as many horses as they can in a race just to get money in, and the divisions are a bit of a joke, you can't really plan a race..

convert

How do the number of divisions stop you from planning a race? The fact that all horses which are declared on a given day are guaranteed a race means that you know that if you enter for a point-to-point in 10 days or two weeks time that you'll get to run, and it's much easier to plan a season, especially if you consider the problems that are on the racecourse.

I also think the problems with the balloting system are contributing to the huge entries in point-to-points for the reason outlined above. If you look at the form of the horses that are running, a huge number of horses, both maidens and open horses, have run on the racecourse.

Regarding the prizemoney, I don't think that is the main reason why people run their horses in point-to-points and prizemoney has never been huge. Don't forget, until relatively recently, point-to-pointing was an amateur sport and in the past horses from trainer's yards used to carry a penalty.

The entry fee is what the point-to-points rely on to run the day. It's what pays for the hiring/building of fences, the purchasing/making of warning flags and disks, officials' bibs, the valet, the commentator, hiring of a PA system, printing of race cards, the vet, the doctor, the ambulances, etc. etc. etc. The gate receipts wouldn't cover half that. You can't expect a hunt to run a point-to-point at a loss. The people who run the point-to-point, the officials, the fence stewards, the mounted stewards, etc. all give their time voluntarily, so you can't expect them to go to all the effort to run their point-to-point at a loss. While the point-to-points do provide a much needed facility for owners/trainers to run their horses, it's not just for the industry, it's also meant to be a source of income for the hunts. In this economic climate I don't think it's feasible for the entry fees to be increased, although with the new rules being implemented this season there has been a rule introduced regarding the prize money for an open race, which can now be worth no less than €1200 but no more than €1500.

Wicked

i think you took me up wrong there. what i meant by 'planning a race' was that you never know who your up against. so you can't really judge the form of the horses your against. you dont' knwo until you get there, granted when you entered your guaranteed a race, but sometimes that race you in will be of no benefit. you know what i very badly trying to say?

i didn't mean my post in an offensive way to p2p's i do enjoy them and i think they offer a great alternative, affordable day out compared to track racing.

biomech

when did point to pointing stop being an ameture sport?? also what penalties were carried by horses from trainers yards?? ive only been into pointing for a lil while but i cant recall any penalties being carried?? they dont tend to allow as many horses as they want to run in a race tho... think the normal safety limit is divide above 19?? mite be wrong on that... it does turn a race on its head tho as was said, when the race is divided..

convert

Penalties for horses from trainers' yards: It would have been years and years ago (I can't remember how long, though, but I'll find out a rough date....)

Divisions: As with racecourses, each point-to-point course is limited to the number of horses that can run safely in a race/division. It can be between 14 or 16 for a maiden race and 19, I think, for an open race. It wouldn't really be a good idea to have 30+ horses running in a race on a narrow course. However, unlike racecourses, point-to-points facilitate all entered horses who turn up on the day, even if it means dividing the races.

As for this turning the race on its head, maybe it does, but I'd never give too much concern to the horses in a race with me (apart from the fact that I try to avoid horses with FFFF in their form!!) Ok, sometimes you can be unlucky enough to have a 'hot' division, but there have been occasions where the absolute 'hot pot' with really great form has been beaten by a horse who has only mediocre form, both in a point-to-point and on the racecourse.

Regarding when point-to-points stopped being an amateur sport, I don't know if it's entirely fair to say they aren't completely amateur. They're run voluntarily by amateurs (the hunts) in venues which aren't permanent and the jockeys are termed as Qualified Riders, who have Mr/Miss/Ms in front of their names which donates an amateur status and who aren't meant to get paid. Obviously this isn't always the case, but I remember a few years ago a Turf Club representative tore strips of a QR because he received payment for riding a winner. I thought he was going to take the cash from the poor lad...

I think the entries got bigger when the economy started to take off and people started buying horses to race. Then when it started to be difficult to get a run on the racecourse due to the huge number of entries, people started to enter their horses in point-to-points because they were assured a run. There have been many a frustrated owner who have torn strips off the trainers and refused to pay the training fees until the horse got a run. But you are right in that they aren't as amateur as they used to be. I read an interview with a trainer/handler in the Field last week who said that when he used to ride in point-to-points a horse who was half fit would be in the shake up, whereas now if the horse isn't completely right on the day, it doesn't stand a chance. Maybe it's also down to the fact that more people have all weather facilities, too.

biomech

FFFF form lol... ya stay away from them... not always that easy tho.. esp when they pull in infront of you before the first and your stuck behind them for the first circuit. until you end up popping out over them 2 or 3 out when they end up on the deck:eek:.... the points are savage crack and a great outlet for both trainers n riders alike.. dont think theyll ever become a pro sport... the TC have enuf on their plate..... thanks for startin the thread n hopefully will fill up with chat during the winter... nite,,

Wicked

convert wrote: »

I read an interview with a trainer/handler in the Field last week who said that when he used to ride in point-to-points a horse who was half fit would be in the shake up, whereas now if the horse isn't completely right on the day, it doesn't stand a chance. [/quote

i was actually going to post the exact same thing there, but your just said it. i can't remember the trainers name, it was in the irish field.

i don't think the races will be as big this year with the recession and all,

nlm1980

Recession or no recession, jockeys will continue to be the main benefactors from point to points. And they moan about paying admission. The super duper balloting system the turf club have in place will ensure plenty of runners and divisions for the year. Someone has to run the horses they wont accomodate. Entry fee's need to to stabilise though to encourage owners to keep entering as someone said in a previous post committee's do rely on entries to fund the running of it, especially since sponsorship is down and HRI have reduced the grant.

Wicked

i don't think jockey's have to pay on the day to get into a p2p venue. i'd say alot of people chance their arm and get it.

convert

At most point-to-points jockeys don't have to pay. They either tell the person at the gate that they're riding (and are let in) or else pay, get a voucher which they give to the Secretary or assistant clerk of the scales, who refunds them the fee they paid at the gate. But jockeys who ride on the 'track' don't pay an admittance fee. Instead they receive a swipe card from HRI which may be used to gain free admittance to a racecourse each day they are riding. It doesn't work on any other day, as far as I know.

I thought most entry fees for point-to-points were normally pretty stable at €50? I think some entry fees are lower for restricted races, for example, an Adjacent Hunts' race or races that are restricted to horses who have a hunters' cert for the hunt who are running point-to-point. And, in fairness, while it is a lot of money, it's the same price for a schooling bumper or to school over fences or do a spot of work at a gallop, which isn't nearly as good as getting a race. Moreover, it's much cheaper than entry fees on the racecourse. Though the cost of getting the horse there, paying the supposedly 'amateur' riders, the groom, the diesel money, etc. is about the same.

smartaform

Anyone have any info on the track at AVAUNE, DUNGOURNEY in cork??

There seems to be little info on the p2p site about this place.

convert

smartaform wrote: »

Anyone have any info on the track at AVAUNE, DUNGOURNEY in cork??

There seems to be little info on the p2p site about this place.

Had a quick look on the p2p website and this is all I found: http://www.p2p.ie/courses.php No description for it, unfortunately.

You could try contact the United's Secretary for that venue.Taken from the p2p webstie:
United Hunt (F) Clonmult/Dungourney Point to Point. Mr. Noel Toomey
Garryduff, Dungourney, Co. Cork. The guys down there usually know their stuff and are quite helpful.

I can't put his number up in the thread, but you can find it here: http://www.p2p.ie/content.php?key=Secretaries

Let us know if you find out anymore about it and what you think of the course if you decide to head down there.

restaurants

convert wrote: »

Now that the point-to-point season has started again, I thought it might be a nice idea to start a 'ptp thread' and give people a place to discuss the sport if so desired and plug local meetings, etc.

Here's a list of the upcoming point-to-points until Christmas:

POINT TO POINT FIXTURE LIST

Great list. Well done.

smartaform

convert wrote: »

Had a quick look on the p2p website and this is all I found: http://www.p2p.ie/courses.php No description for it, unfortunately.

You could try contact the United's Secretary for that venue.Taken from the p2p webstie:
United Hunt (F) Clonmult/Dungourney Point to Point. Mr. Noel Toomey
Garryduff, Dungourney, Co. Cork. The guys down there usually know their stuff and are quite helpful.

I can't put his number up in the thread, but you can find it here: http://www.p2p.ie/content.php?key=Secretaries

Let us know if you find out anymore about it and what you think of the course if you decide to head down there.

Thanks for that convert..
The meeting on the 13th December ties in well with one of my fellow's prep's so i'm hoping to go down for a look at some stage before hand.

chippiec1

Hi, Just to pick up on the payment of jockeys....who or how do jockeys get paid at point to points? how much should they get per ride?

convert wrote: »

Penalties for horses from trainers' yards: It would have been years and years ago (I can't remember how long, though, but I'll find out a rough date....)

Divisions: As with racecourses, each point-to-point course is limited to the number of horses that can run safely in a race/division. It can be between 14 or 16 for a maiden race and 19, I think, for an open race. It wouldn't really be a good idea to have 30+ horses running in a race on a narrow course. However, unlike racecourses, point-to-points facilitate all entered horses who turn up on the day, even if it means dividing the races.

As for this turning the race on its head, maybe it does, but I'd never give too much concern to the horses in a race with me (apart from the fact that I try to avoid horses with FFFF in their form!!) Ok, sometimes you can be unlucky enough to have a 'hot' division, but there have been occasions where the absolute 'hot pot' with really great form has been beaten by a horse who has only mediocre form, both in a point-to-point and on the racecourse.

Regarding when point-to-points stopped being an amateur sport, I don't know if it's entirely fair to say they aren't completely amateur. They're run voluntarily by amateurs (the hunts) in venues which aren't permanent and the jockeys are termed as Qualified Riders, who have Mr/Miss/Ms in front of their names which donates an amateur status and who aren't meant to get paid. Obviously this isn't always the case, but I remember a few years ago a Turf Club representative tore strips of a QR because he received payment for riding a winner. I thought he was going to take the cash from the poor lad...

I think the entries got bigger when the economy started to take off and people started buying horses to race. Then when it started to be difficult to get a run on the racecourse due to the huge number of entries, people started to enter their horses in point-to-points because they were assured a run. There have been many a frustrated owner who have torn strips off the trainers and refused to pay the training fees until the horse got a run. But you are right in that they aren't as amateur as they used to be. I read an interview with a trainer/handler in the Field last week who said that when he used to ride in point-to-points a horse who was half fit would be in the shake up, whereas now if the horse isn't completely right on the day, it doesn't stand a chance. Maybe it's also down to the fact that more people have all weather facilities, too.

convert

Jockeys are usually paid somewhere around €100 to €150 per ride, depends on the individual in question, I suppose, and whether or not they rode a winner. I don't know who normally pays them on the day, depends if the owner is there, but it is the owner who pays them, be it on the day or added on to the training fees.

finbarrk

That must have been some open race in Cork on Sunday. I read in the Examiner that there was 3 ex Cheltenham winners in it. Dun Doire was the best of them finishing 3rd.

http://www.p2p.ie/results.php

chippiec1

Thanks for that. Heading down to Avaune, Dungourney this Sunday. Coming down from the north and not familar with that end of the country, can any one suggest a good hotel....?

That was a great open last Sun, Top Twig ran a great race again, he has been running out of his skin, and is rarely opposed in the northern circuit..

finbarrk

Try the Midleton Park.

http://www.midletonpark.com/

convert

chippiec1 wrote: »

Thanks for that. Heading down to Avaune, Dungourney this Sunday. Coming down from the north and not familar with that end of the country, can any one suggest a good hotel....?

That was a great open last Sun, Top Twig ran a great race again, he has been running out of his skin, and is rarely opposed in the northern circuit..

What's the course like down there? Perhaps you could let us know... I've not been there before, so would be interested in hearing feedback/opinions on it!

chippiec1

Course is quite tight, always on the turn, right handed. The ground was surprisingly good. Not great from spectators point of view, very hard to see the action, you could only see the part of the course you were at, if you know what I mean!

convert

So it'd be better suited to a handy horse than one who'd like courses such as Stradbally? Is it undulating or flat?

convert

2010 Spring Fixtures



Wed 30th Duhallow (F) Kanturk Dromahane, Co Cork L/H



Wed 30th Westmeath (H) & Longford (H) Killashee, Co. Longford. R/H



JANUARY

Sat 2nd Tipperary (F) Lisronagh Lisronagh, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary R/H

Sun 3rd United Hunt (F) Lisgoold Lisgoold, Co Cork R/H





Sun 10th Muskerry (F) Aghabullogue Dromatimore, Co. Cork. L/H
Sun 10th Shillelagh & District (F) Fairwood, Tinahely, Co. Wicklow. R/H

Sun 10th Stonehall (H) Toomdeely, Askeaton, Co. Limerick. L/H



Sun 17th Killeagh (H) Knockane, Killeagh, Co. Cork. L/H



Sun 17th Scarteen (F) Kilfeacle, Co. Tipperary. L/H



Sun 24th Dungarvan (H) Kilossera, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. R/H



Sun 24th North Tipperary (F) Lisboney, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary. L/H



Sat 30th East Down (F) Tyrella, Downpatrick, Co. Down. R/H



Sun 31st Fingal (H) West Curragh, Naul, Co. Dublin. R/H



Sun 31st United Hunt (F) Carrigtwohill Clyduff, Co. Cork. R/H



FEBRUARY



Sun 7th Co. Clare (H) Belharbour Belharbour, Co. Clare. L/H



Sun 7th Island Hunt (F) Ballydarragh, Gorey, Co. Wexford. L/H



Sun 7th West Waterford (F) Tallow Shanakill Cross, Waterford. L/H



Sat 13th North Down (F) Kirkistown, Portavogie, Co. Down. L/H



Sun 14th Avondhu (F) Knockanard, Fermoy, Co. Cork. R/H



Sun 14th Co. Limerick (F) Rathcannon Rathcannon, Athlacca, Co. Limerick. L/H



Sun 14th Kildare (F) Punchestown, Naas, Co. Kildare. L/H



Sat 20th Iveagh (H) Bells Hill, Maralin, Co. Down. L/H



Sun 21st Duhallow (F) Kildorrery Rockmills, Co. Cork. R/H



Sun 21st East Clare (H) Garranboy, Killaloe, Co. Clare. R/H



Sun 21st Kilkenny (F) Kilbline, Bennettsbridge, Co. Kilkenny. R/H



Sat 27th Tynan & Armagh (H) Farmacaffley, Co. Armagh. R/H







Sun 28th Bray (H) Fairwood, Tinahely, Co. Wicklow. R/H







Sun 28th Carbery (F) Kilpatrick, Bandon, Co. Cork. R/H



MARCH



Sat 6th East Down (F) Tyrella, Downpatrick, Co. Down. R/H



Sat 6th Kilworth & Araglen (H) Ballynalacken, Kilworth, Co. Cork. R/H



Sun 7th Doneraile (F) Dromahane, Mallow, Co. Cork. L/H



Sun 7th Limerick (H) Lemonfield Crecora, Co. Limerick. L/H



Sun 7th South Westmeath (H) Listisson, The Pigeons, Athlone. L/H



Sat 13th North Down (F) Kirkistown, Portavogie, Co. Down. L/H



Sun 14th Cloyne (H) Cloyne, Co. Cork. L/H



Sun 14th Killinick (H) Lingstown, Tomhaggard, Co. Wexford. R/H



Sun 14th North Galway (F) Belclare, Tuam, Co. Galway. R/H



Sun 14th Premier (H) Horse and Jockey, Co. Tipperary. L/H



Sat 20th Iveagh (H) Bells Hill, Maralin, Co. Down. L/H



Sun 21st North Kilkenny (F) Parksgrove, Ballyragget, Kilkenny. R/H



Sun 21st West Waterford (F) Lismore Castle Farm, Co. Waterford. L/H





Sat 27th Co. Down (S) Derrydrummuck, Loughbrickland, Co. Down. L/H



Sun 28th Bree (F) Monksgrange, Rathnure, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford. L/H





Sun 28th Duhallow (F) Liscarroll Knockardbane, Co. Cork. L/H



Sun 28th Galway Blazers (F) Newcastle, Athenry, Co. Galway. R/H



Sun 28th Tipperary (F) Lisronagh, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary. R/H











APRIL



Sun 4th Co. Clare (H) Dromoland Dromoland, Co. Clare. L/H



Sun 4th Suirvale (H) Fairyhill, Templemore, Co. Tipperary. R/H



Sun 4th Waterford (F) Ballydurn, Portlaw, Co. Waterford. L/H



Sun 4th Westmeath (F) Castletown-Geoghegan, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. L/H



Mon 5th East Antrim (H) Loughanmore, Dunadry, Co. Antrim. L/H



Tue 6th East Antrim (H) Loughanmore, Dunadry, Co. Antrim. L/H





Sun 11th Laois (F) Stradbally Hall, Stradbally, Co. Laois. R/H



Sun 11th Louth (F) Rathnestin, Tallanstown, Co. Louth. L/H



Sun 11th United Hunt (F) Ballynoe Garryanne, Killavorilla, Cork. R/H



Sun 11th Wexford (F) Lingstown, Tomhaggard, Co. Wexford. R/H



Sat 17th Mid Antrim (H) Moneyglass, Toomebridge, Co. Antrim. L/H



Sun 18th Killeady (H) Dromahane, Mallow, Co. Cork. L/H



Sun 18th Limerick (F) Kilmallock Bulgaden, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick. R/H



Sun 18th Meath (F) & Tara (H) Tattersalls Farm, Fairyhouse, Co. Meath. R/H



Fri 23rd Killultagh, Old Rock & Chichester (H) Largy Road, Crumlin, Co. Antrim R/H



Sat 24th Killultagh, Old Rock & Chichester (H) Largy Road, Crumlin, Co. Antrim. R/H



Sun 25th Ballymacad (F) Newcastle, Oldcastle, Co. Meath. L/H



Sun 25th Duhallow (F) Dromahane Dromahane, Mallow, Co. Cork. L/H



Sun 25th East Galway (F) Feighmore, Eyrecourt, Co. Galway. R/H



Sun 25th Stonehall (H) Ballysteen Askeaton, Co. Limerick. L/H



MAY



Sat 1st Newry (H) Taylorstown, Co. Down. R/H



Sat 1st Tipperary (F) Lisronagh Lisronagh, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary. R/H



Sun 2nd Muskerry (F) Aherlabeg, Fernanes, Co. Cork. R/H



Sun 2nd North Kerry (H) Gortnaskehy, Ballybunion, Co. Kerry. R/H



Mon 3rd Muskerry (F) Dawstown Birch Hill, Grenagh, Co. Cork. R/H



Sat 8th Co. Limerick (F) Athlacca Tullerboy, Co. Limerick. R/H



Sun 9th Carlow Farmers (F) Donore, Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow. R/H



Sun 9th Co. Sligo (H) Sligo Racecourse, Cleveragh, Co. Sligo. R/H



Sun 9th United Hunt (F) Ballindenisk Watergrasshill, Co. Cork. R/H



Fri 14th Fermanagh (H) Necarne, Irvinestown, Co. Fermanagh. L/H



Sat 15th Fermanagh (H) Necarne, Irvinestown, Co. Fermanagh. L/H



Sun 16th United Hunt (F) Bartlemy Hightown, Bartlemy, Co. Cork. R/H



Sun 23rd Duhallow (F) Kanturk Dromahane, Mallow, Co. Cork. L/H



Sun 23rd Laois (F) Stradbally Hall, Stradbally, Co. Laois. R/H



Sun 30th Carbery (F) Clonakilty Dararra, Clonakilty, Co. Cork. L/H





JUNE



Sat 5th South Union (F) Kinsale Farrangalway, Kinsale, Co. Cork. L/H









Sun 6th South Union (F) Kinsale Farrangalway, Kinsale, Co. Cork. L/H



Mon 7th Ormond (F) Southpark, Ballingarry, Roscrea, Tipperary. R/H

Note: L/H = Left Hand Course R/H = Right Hand Course

convert

Here's the link to list of Secretaries for the point-to-points for the 2009/10 season:

http://www.p2p.ie/content.php?key=Secretaries

Wicked

tinahely point to point is on sunday and has not been cancelled yet.. surely its not going ahead??

convert

I'd say they are still hoping against hopes of holding it, but given the snow falls forecast and the blizzard that's outside at the moment, I'd say it's unlikely that it will go ahead.

Punchestown and Leopardstown are hoping for a mircle, too, as it's unlikely that racing will go ahead there at the weekend.

Punchestown managed to hold all 7 races at the New Year's Eve meeting last week despite the snow, which was great. The snow actually added a lovely atmosphere to the day.

convert

Just saw on the point-to-point website that 16 year olds will no longer be allowed to ride in point-to-points. They must wait until they're 17.

Full blog entry can be found here: http://www.p2p.ie/blog.php?blog_id=7

Wicked

convert wrote: »

Just saw on the point-to-point website that 16 year olds will no longer be allowed to ride in point-to-points. They must wait until they're 17.

Full blog entry can be found here: http://www.p2p.ie/blog.php?blog_id=7

knew this was coming in, i think its good, obviously 16 year olds wont

convert

Wicked wrote: »

knew this was coming in, i think its good, obviously 16 year olds wont

I don't know... I think if they have done the course at RACE which is now required of all riders, even those renewing their licences if they haven't had a minimum of 3 rides or held a licence for a certain amouint of time, and they're deemed to be capable riders, then they should be allowed to ride in point-to-points. Especially given that if they turn professional immediately they can ride in hurdles and chases on the racecourse at 16. Therefore, you can ride over fences on the racecourse at 16, but can't ride in a point-to-point, which, from the outside looks as if the policy hasn't been thought through fully.

There are an awful lot of good jockeys out there now who started riding in point-to-points at 16 who'll testify that that year gave them a huge amount of experience and stood to them greatly at an important time in their career.

smartaform

I've one racing on Saturday at the Tyrella meeting - Any other boardies going?

convert

smartaform wrote: »

I've one racing on Saturday at the Tyrella meeting - Any other boardies going?

Unfortunately not. I had hoped to go to the Fingal's ptp in the Naul, but it's cancelled. For some reason I have a feeling the next one I'll make is the Kildare's ptp in Punchestown on 14 Feb.

Is it worth putting a few quid on your horse on Sunday?

smartaform

I would say yes, but our rider can't make it...:eek::eek::eek:

So now need to find a replacement - any suggestions???

convert

smartaform wrote: »

I would say yes, but our rider can't make it...:eek::eek::eek:

So now need to find a replacement - any suggestions???

Aarrgh - I'd have volunteered, except I didn't renew my licence this year as I don't have a horse at the moment

Errmmm... suggestions... There's lots of QRs out there at the moment, but I don't know who I'd recommend. I'd be very particular over who I'd let ride my horse (but that's just me), and my first choice of rider has recently turned professional, so that's not much good to you. What type of rider are you looking for - i.e. - strong? Someone who'll follow instructions or who would read the race for themselves? Experienced rider or is it a novice riders' race?

smartaform

We were in luck today.
My rider who was meant to ride initially, put me in touch with one of his friends just back from the UK.

Panic stations though for a few hours..lol

convert

smartaform wrote: »

We were in luck today.
My rider who was meant to ride initially, put me in touch with one of his friends just back from the UK.

Panic stations though for a few hours..lol

It's a nightmare when something like that happens...

Glad you got sorted, and best of luck on Saturday. Let us know how you get on.

smartaform

So after sorting the rider out, getting everything together, we took off from Kildare at 8.30am... arrived on course at 11.45am.

Took the horse out of the trailer, walked for 10 mins THEN a loud speaker announcement -
TODAYS MEETING HAS BEEN CANCELLED

I later learned when i made my way over that they were concerned over a small patch of frost..... BUT THE PATCH WAS IN FULL SUNLIGHT and i say another half hour/hour would have been fit for racing...

I see on the p2p site that they moved the meeting to next saturday HOWEVER i will not be travelling up again.
There's a race for him at the Punchestown P2P meeting on the 14th feb so we go there instead...

I'm glad i only had 1 owner with me - he came over from London the night before, needless to say he was devastated....
Oh well is racing :rolleyes:

convert

smartaform wrote: »

So after sorting the rider out, getting everything together, we took off from Kildare at 8.30am... arrived on course at 11.45am.

Took the horse out of the trailer, walked for 10 mins THEN a loud speaker announcement -
TODAYS MEETING HAS BEEN CANCELLED

I later learned when i made my way over that they were concerned over a small patch of frost..... BUT THE PATCH WAS IN FULL SUNLIGHT and i say another half hour/hour would have been fit for racing...

I see on the p2p site that they moved the meeting to next saturday HOWEVER i will not be travelling up again.
There's a race for him at the Punchestown P2P meeting on the 14th feb so we go there instead...

I'm glad i only had 1 owner with me - he came over from London the night before, needless to say he was devastated....
Oh well is racing :rolleyes:

That's awful. It wouldn't be so bad if it was a meeting that was close by, but to go all the way to Tyrella, with owner in tow, and have that happen is just a nightmare.

I think whether racing goes ahead in a situation like that depends on who the steward(s) is/are on the day and how willing they are to wait and see. I remember years ago having to put straw and sacks on the ground either side of fences when frosty weather was forecast in the days before a point-to-point. I also remember being at a point-to-point in Tinahely after a night's heavy frost. They had put straw/sacks down, but were still concerned about one fence which was in the shade. After putting back the first race for half an hour, the decision was taken to leave out that fence and let racing go ahead.

convert

Actually, while we're (loosely) on the topic, is anyone else here thinking of heading to the point-to-point in Punchestown on 14 Feb?

MDFM

smartaform wrote: »

So after sorting the rider out, getting everything together, we took off from Kildare at 8.30am... arrived on course at 11.45am.

Took the horse out of the trailer, walked for 10 mins THEN a loud speaker announcement -
TODAYS MEETING HAS BEEN CANCELLED

I later learned when i made my way over that they were concerned over a small patch of frost..... BUT THE PATCH WAS IN FULL SUNLIGHT and i say another half hour/hour would have been fit for racing...

I see on the p2p site that they moved the meeting to next saturday HOWEVER i will not be travelling up again.
There's a race for him at the Punchestown P2P meeting on the 14th feb so we go there instead...

I'm glad i only had 1 owner with me - he came over from London the night before, needless to say he was devastated....
Oh well is racing :rolleyes:

That was the Longford meet today - yet another unsuccessful 3rd attempt to run it. For the life of me i cannot understand why they didnt decide to cancel it last night? I only live 4 miles away from the venue and last night at 5.30pm my yard was bright and shiny and covered in frost and it was -2 at that stage. I contacted one of the committee members this morning before 9am to see was it still on and they said it was..i couldnt understand it, it was even snowing at that stage, my paddock is rock solid all day and drinkers are frozen yet again. I know its no consolation to you and all the other owners/riders that travelled long journeys, but, the ground was really hard in places. we got there at 12pm, and left at 12.10pm, had just paid our entry fee and then heard the announcement that it was off. Why they think running it next sat will be better is beyond me..theres every much a risk of there being frost yet again like there has being for the past 2 days. i can't imagine too many people will go to that effort again and travel the same distance with their horses. Disappointing day all round for every one concerned. Hope you have better luck on your next day out, wherever that may be? If Longford goes ahead next sat i'm sure the turnout will be pretty dismal anyway!

chippiec1

Hi there...

What a disappointing weekend!! Went to Tyrella yesterday..cancelled..surely waiting an hour would have made all the difference? Today, travelled 3 and a half hours to Longford..cancelled again!! cant understand why it was even given the green light in the first place!!.
Maybe, if need be, contact you regards the weather before setting off to Longford next weekend!!
Although just seen the farming forecast and perhaps cold mid week with a milder weekend... heres hoping anyway!!

MDFM

chippiec1 wrote: »

Hi there...

What a disappointing weekend!! Went to Tyrella yesterday..cancelled..surely waiting an hour would have made all the difference? Today, travelled 3 and a half hours to Longford..cancelled again!! cant understand why it was even given the green light in the first place!!.
Maybe, if need be, contact you regards the weather before setting off to Longford next weekend!!
Although just seen the farming forecast and perhaps cold mid week with a milder weekend... heres hoping anyway!!

hey no probs, i'll log in early sat morning so and fill ye in on the weather situation. thing is i was sure this morning it wouldnt run so i was surprised at 9am, when i got word that it was going ahead! such a shame for the many horses and owners that made the long journey only to have to turn around and go home again.

smartaform

Hi MDFM,

How many did you have down to run??