All signs Point to annual autumn Steeplechase
Thursday, 23 October 2008
Majestic in flight - a horse and rider make easy work of the fences at the Route Hunt.
THE autumn Route Hunt Point to Point Steeplechases have been deemed a 'Great day's racing' and a success by the Master of the Hunt Phillip White.
Six races were run at Saturday's event in Myroe, and despite some early misgivings that a healthy crowd may be absent based on the fact that an Autumn Point to Point is a relatively new endeavour, the crowds turned out and were left with baited breath until next years spring meet.
Mr. White explained to The Northern Constitution: " It was a very good day, and well attended considering people aren't used to an Autumn Hunt. Traditionally it's a Spring event, so there was a worry that we wouldn't get a big turnout, and while the gate was down on the spring event, we are confident that this event can take off and be just as popular.
He continued: " We had a good number of runners, the weather held up for us, which was of course a worry because we don't want to destroy the land that we are given, and there were no serious injuries, so from both a safety and entertainment standpoint it was a good day all round."
Phillip went on to explain the benefits of racing in the Autumn: " We are hoping to make this a big annual event because typically the ground is in better condition at this time of year. In the spring the ground has been soaked for months and tends to cut up easily and can get waterlogged, whereas in the autumn, just coming out of the summer, the ground tends to be that bit firmer, which gives the potential for much better racing."
Mr White concluded by thanking those who helped make the event possible: " A big thank you to Ian and Charlie Mark for again allowing us the use of their land, if it wasn't for their generosity there would be no Point to Point, and also a big thanks to the race sponsors; Dennison Commercials, B. Mullan and Sons, Stonebridge Feeds, Easi Park, Henderson Fuels, Macaulay Wray Solicitors, The Back of Ireland and R. Benson and Sons."
