By Dan Walsh
Sixty-seven entries were received for the first point-to-point of the new season in the South East that takes place tomorrow (Sunday) at Fairwood Park, Tinahely, run under the auspices of Shillelagh & District Hunt.
Ground conditions are reported as “good” and the first race is off at 1pm.
The card consists of four maiden races (one confined to novice riders), an Open Race and a Mares Winner of One.
One promising rider missing from the scene until after Christmas is Mayglass rider Jack Hendrick, who has 109 winners to his credit.
Jack is on the sidelines following a fall at Listowel in late September when he suffered a serious injury. “I fractured my left humerus in three places and fractured my shoulder joint as well,” said Hendrick, who underwent surgery and is doing physio and added; “I’m not feeling too bad now.”
Meanwhile, point-to-pointing took place today (Saturday) at Loughanmore, Co. Antrim which produced four Wexford winners in the first four races.
Denis Murphy saddled newcomer Eskyland in the maiden race for four-year-old mares’ and she ran home five and a half lengths clear of the field with Shane Cotter up. Eskyland now goes to the sales.
Jonathan Fogarty saddled his first winner of the new season – newcomer Golden Heart in the Gaynestown Stud Partnership colours by half a length under Finian Maguire in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings.
Now in his 14th year as a handler, this was the Cleariestown-based handler’s 40th point-to-point success.
Hello Fortune won for the Monbeg Syndicate and Donnchadh Doyle in the maiden race for five-year-old plus mares. Two and a half lengths the verdict. Rob James the successful rider.
Colin Bowe and Barry O’Neill teamed up to win the mares maiden for five-year-old plus with Kano De Thaix. One and a half lengths the distance.
WexfordLocal.com 