By Dan Walsh
Three point-to-point fixtures went ahead today, and the highlight was at Punchestown where Ballindaggin handler Donnchadh Doyle sent out his 300th winner in a career spanning 15 years.
Doyle saddled the Monbeg Syndicate newcomer Pappariche in the five-year-olds plus maiden race and achieved the milestone tally with ‘a head’ victory under Tinahely rider James Walsh who was riding his first winner of the season.
Donnchadh Doyle shared the 2015 Irish Point-to-Point Handlers Championship with Colin Bowe. Pappariche was his 13th success in the current season and he enjoys at 24% strike rate.
Donnchadh’s brother, Sean Doyle, was also successful at Punchestown today. He saddled Park Blue for the Monbeg Partnership in the five-year-old geldings maiden race which resulted in a four lengths victory under Jamie Scallan and the second leg of a double for the Tomhaggard rider.
Scallan won the opening maiden race for four-year-olds on newcomer Heldam in the colours of Abbie O’Connor and handled by Matthew Flynn O’Connor at Balycrystal, Kiltealy. Two lengths were the winning verdict.
Jonathan Fogarty, Gaynestown Stud, Cleariestown, made the journey to Knockanard, Co. Cork, today, where he won the maiden race for five-year-old geldings with Malayalam (Ross Sugrue up) by three lengths beating Mymilkman handled by Donnchadh Doyle.
There was also point-to-point action at Farmacaffley, Co. Armagh, today, where Barry O’Neill and David Christie shared a double success in the final two races with Winged Leader and King in the Park.
Tomorrow’s Bray Harriers fixture at Fairwood Park, Tinahely, is subject to an 8am inspection.
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