All set for first day at Peppardscastle races

By Dan Walsh

The Island Hunt point-to-point takes place tomorrow (Sunday) over a new track at Peppardscastle (Y25 HY96), between the coastal villages of Ballygarrett and Kilmuckridge, and fingers are crossed for a good attendance. The first of six races is off at 1pm.

It is a left-handed track over a mile with five fences per circuit. There is a total entry of 77 horses with 28 of those entered for the opening contest for four-year-old maidens.

While the weather forecast is for 2mm of rain overnight tomorrow is expected to be “windy and cloudy.” Going on the track is described as “good to soft”. Directions to the track are signposted.

Today’s point-to-point was held in Loughanmore in East Antrim where three Wexford stables were successful. Donnchadh Doyle’s Glory Be To Sea scored by three and a half lengths with Rob James in the saddle in division two of the maiden race for four year old mares.

Newcomer Race To Base will be heading for the sales following a short-head victory when ridden by Jack Hendrick for Ballycarney handler Anrew Latta in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings. This was the 85^th career winner for the talented Mayglass rider.

And Colin Bowe turned out another newcomer Spadestep in the five-year-old geldings’ maiden race and it was a triumph by three lengths with Barry O’Neill up. Spadestep will now head for the sales.