By Dan Walsh
Good news for point-to-point enthusiasts in the South East is confirmation that the Wexford Foxhounds meeting at Ballinaboola will go ahead as planned next Sunday, February 6th.
There was doubts about the point-to-point fixture list going ahead while searching for an underwriter for insurance cover and, consequently, fixtures planned for Tinahely and Ballycrystal during January were cancelled.
A breakthrough courtesy of a new insurance scheme called The National Hunt Steeplechase, Point-to-Point and Field Insurance Programme (NHSPFS), provides insurance cover for hunting activities, including point-to-points, and all fixtures in the month of February can proceed as scheduled.
Ballinaboola will host Wexford Foxhounds start of the new four-year-old maiden season and it will be the opening race on the card. Other races include the 5yo geldings maiden; 5&6yo mares maiden, 6yo geldings maiden (confined to novice riders) and a Winner of Three race.
It has been twenty-two months since a point-to-point fixture has taken place without restrictions, many were held ‘behind closed doors’ (even limited press attendance allowed), but the time has come when online advance booking, contact tracing and social distancing will no longer be required.
It has been a tough time for everybody, but let’s celebrate freedom with increased attendances and local support, it is no more than the fans, the organisers and the participants deserve from a popular outdoor family fun day out. There is always a point-to-point event near you… check it out!
WexfordLocal.com 