By Dan Walsh
102 entries, including 19 for the first four-year-old maiden race of the year, completes the card for the Wexford Hunt point-to-point races taking place at Ballinaboola, New Ross, tomorrow (Sunday). First race at 1pm.
Reports from the track say that “it is in great order with a good covering of grass” and the ‘going is described as “Good to Yielding, Yielding in Places.”
The forecast is for overnight rain, but it should clear on Sunday morning and conditions for afternoon are expected to be dry with maximum temperatures coming in at around 9 degrees.
For the benefit of racegoers not familiar with getting to the Ballinaboola track, the Eircode is Y35 D968.
Last Sunday’s postponed point-to-point scheduled for Dungarvan took place today and a single success for Wexford raiders with An Buachaill Rua, owned and handled by Robert Tector, Coolbawn, Rathnure, coming home comfortably by 15 lengths under Mayglass rider Jack Hendrick in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings.
LISTED SUCCESS FOR PAUL NOLAN AT LEOPARDSTOWN
The prestigious annual Dublin Racing Festival opened at Leopardstown today and Enniscorthy trainer Paul Nolan enjoyed success in the Listed Ryanair Handicap Chase with An Peann Dearg (8/1).
Ridden by Taghmon jockey Sean O’Keeffe, An Peann Dearg, who also landed a handicap chase over course and distance in December, took the lead at the final fence to score decisively by seven lengths.
Afterwards Paul Nolan, who also won this race in 2019 (Quamino 14/1) and 2016 (The Mooch 16/1) said; “It’s great for Jim and Sonja (Buckley), they are very important people in the yard and it’s great to have them here and win a big pot.
“He travelled well, something similar to the last day, but he probably hit the line a little bit stronger, said Nolan, who added; “We could see it today, but the handicapper can see it as well!”
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