Quakerstown Point To Point set to attract bumper crowd

Point-to-point fans are in for a real treat this weekend, with the annual County Clare Hunt Easter Sunday meeting at Quakerstown set to attract a huge attendance.

To say there is something for everyone on offer at the scenic Boston venue would be an understatement, as a host of extra-curricular activities have been laid-on to keep all ages entertained.

Trade stands, a dog show, artisan food stalls, pony rides, most appropriately dressed person competition, a pony race and a hound display are just some of the attractions on offer on what is guaranteed a fun day out for all the family.

An official launch of Sunday’s meeting took place at Hotel Woodstock in Ennis last Friday night where the guests included top jockeys Eoin Mahon and Derek O’Connor. A presentation was also made to jockey Mark McDonagh to mark his recent run of success that included his first Cheltenham Festival victory.

The Co Clare Hunt will also be supporting the Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal by holding a charity auction on Sunday, with all proceeds going to the charity. Prizes include a four-ball at Lahinch Golf Club, tickets to a Man Utd match, a weekend at John Nallen’s Hotel Minella in Clonmel and a print by leading equine artist Peter Curling.

Action on track kicks off at 2pm with a four-year-old geldings’ maiden. This will be followed half an hour later by a five-year-old geldings’ maiden.

A five and six-year-old mares’ maiden is next on the list, with a open lightweight for Lady Riders’ next up. The penultimate contest is a six-year-old and upwards geldings’ maiden with the always popular confined maiden the final event.

As always at this venue, the racing will be ultra competitive. All the top trainers in the sport have horses engaged, with over 120 entries listed for duty.

Looking forward to Sunday, Clare Hunt member Ger Hannon told The Clare Champion: “We are all set for a great afternoon. There is something for everybody to enjoy and the emphasis now is very much on a fixture like this being an enjoyable day out for all the family.

“We are especially pleased to be in a position to raise much-needed funds to aid the Red Cross Ukrainian appeal. People can also bid on-line for what are some great prizes and we hope that this will be well supported.

Turning to conditions on track for Sunday’s fixture, the Newmarket-on-Fergus man continued, “The course is in pristine condition. We are lucky that the landowner, Gerry Lee, is so supportive and he takes great pride in having the venue in excellent shape.

“We are grateful too to all the businesses who sponsor us. Without their support, we just wouldn’t be in a position to carry on. This meeting is now regarded as one of the most popular of the entire season and we are indebted to all who contribute in any way to its on-going success.

Punters are advised to arrive early for Sunday’s fixture. Ample car parking is available on-site and plenty of stewards will be on duty to ensure easy access to the track.