Great prizes for auction in aid of Ukraine at Clare point to point

ALONGSIDE the excellent racing action at Quakerstown Point to Point on Easter Sunday, a charity auction will have top class prizes up for grabs in support of a great cause.

The Co. Clare Hunt meeting on Sunday, April 17, will host the auction in aid of the Irish Red Cross: Ukraine Crisis Appeal to help the organisation further its vital work on the ground in the besieged country.

The Co. Clare Hunt is well known for its efforts in raising money for some very worthy causes over the years having most notably raised over €20,000 with the running of the Pat Smullen Legends Race in aid of Cancer Trials Ireland in 2020.

Also in the last five years, the Hunt has raised €15,000 in 2019 for Breast Cancer Ireland, and almost €30,000 for Clare Suicide Bereavement Group.

Funds raised this year will help the Irish Red Cross continue its work in Ukraine where it is repairing vital infrastructure, supporting health facilities and helping families with life-saving food and hygiene items.

Auction items include a weekend away at Hotel Minella, Clonmel, courtesy of well-known hotelier and trainer, John Nallen; a Four-ball at luxury golf resort the K-Club; and a Peter Curling Print donated by Regional Point to Point Secretary Frankie Ward.

Horse Racing Ireland has also come on board to support the efforts of the Co Clare Hunt and have kindly donated a framed and signed print of Minella Times and Rachael Blackmore winning the Aintree Grand National in 2021. It was a moment that saw history being made with Rachael being the first female jockey to win the race.

A designer suit sponsored by Louis Copeland Galway, a four-ball at Lahinch Golf Club, and two tickets to see Manchester United play, donated by Newtown Stud Kildare, are just some of the other fantastic auction items up for grabs.

The auction will take place following the final race of the day, with auctioneer and point to point commentator Ger Hannon hosting proceedings.

“We urge you to come along on Easter Sunday and not only enjoy some top-class racing and a family day out, but to support a very worthy cause at the same time,” said a spokesperson.

“We’ve all been touched by what is happening in Ukraine at the moment, and by donating to our auction, you can help raise some vital funds for the Irish Red Cross who are out there working to save lives.

“The auction will be open to everyone to bid on the day but we will also welcome phone bids and bids via our Facebook page – Quakerstown Point to Point.

“Don’t miss out on some excellent prizes for which we are so grateful to all who have donated.”

Quakerstown Point to Point has been a proving ground to racing stars such as Champagne Fever, a two-time Cheltenham Festival winner; Bacardys, a dual Grade 1 winner, and Alaphilippe, a Grade 2 winner who was second at the Cheltenham Festival this year.

The meeting promises some exciting racing and is hopeful to produce some more future stars this year.

There is something for everyone with trade stands and artisan food stalls, the chance to take part in the Dog Show and Pony Rides and watch the Co. Clare Hunt Hound Display.

And, for the snappy dressers among you, there is the Red Mills Most Appropriately Dressed Competition, so start looking through your wardrobe now!