The start time of South Westmeath’s Hunt Point-to-Point which takes place on Sunday March 6 at The Pigeons has been brought forward to 1pm. This is due to a very high level of entries.
A total of 161 horses have been entered which may result in nine races.
Hunt chairman, Frank Daly attributes the excellent reputation of the race track on Arthur Moore’s farm at The Pigeons as the reason why owners choose to come in such high numbers from all over the country. The organising and running of the event is a voluntary effort by hunt members and supporters who do trojan work in preparing for and running the event.
The Hunt acknowledges the support of our many generous sponsors – old and new.
Last year’s winner of the Mares Maiden Fiddledee was subsequently sold for £120,000. and is now with Jonjo O’Neill in England.
Another recent winner at The Pigeons was Michael O’Leary’s Beautiful Sound who is now considered by many pundits to have a very good chance of winning the Irish Grand National.
The first race on Sunday is confined to members and supporters of the Hunt and Tom Cleary’s veteran Jack Monday will most likely start favourite. However, others likely to run well are previous winners, Saratorious (Heather Kiernan ), Lavender Lily (Michael Scott ), and All for Buttons (Andreas Dolan ). This race is always keenly contested with great rivalry between local owners.
Another highlight of Sunday’s card is the entry of Backstage – a previous winner at The Pigeons.
The Racing Post has tipped Backstage trained by Gordon Elliott as one to follow for the English Grand National.
The current drying weather which is forecast to continue over the weekend should guarantee good going.
This should result in very competitive racing and good underfoot conditions for spectators.
With a fine day in prospect it promises to be a great day’s entertainment which usually continues later in the evening – in the well known local hostelries!
