Record crowds at Dowth Point to Point
IT certainly was a grand day out, as over 6,500 people flocked to Co Meath on Sunday October 28th, for racing, food and family fun.
Organised and sponsored by agri-technology company Devenish in conjunction with the Meath Hunt and Tara Harriers, the fourth Dowth Point to Point and Country Fair celebrated the very best of country life and some of Ireland’s most impressive amateur racing talent.
“It was a hugely enjoyable occasion and we were absolutely thrilled to see so many people turning out to enjoy it,” said Owen Brennan, Executive Chairman of Devenish.
“Over the last four years, this event has been a wonderful opportunity to bring people of all ages together at the historic setting of Dowth to enjoy the very best of our local heritage – our food, our sporting talent and great sense of family and community.”
Six point-to-point races took place over three miles throughout the day with the Tattersalls Ireland 4-year-old Geldings Maiden won by Clondaw Hollow trained by Michael Goff and ridden by Shane Fitzgerald, and guests feasted upon top quality regional food and drinks within the Discover Boyne Valley Flavours Marquee and snapped up locally made arts and crafts in the shopping village.
Meath-raised and internationally renowned chef Richard Corrigan hosted a game masterclass to a large audience at The Food Theatre, whilst chefs Eoin Gilchrist and Kris Kodric from Tankardstown House, Hugh Maguire Butchers and Peter Whelan of The Whole Hogg also shared their culinary expertise.
Younger visitors enjoyed carving spooky pumpkins for Halloween, having their faces painted, taking pony rides and watching puppet and magic shows.
Country living was further brought to life by Maperath Mobile Farm, Newgrange Falconry, and The Deer Society, whilst the Slane GFC Skills Zone drew big crowds.
Four-legged friends joined the fun too at the Dowth Dog Show.
Prizes were kindly sponsored by Equipet and Feedwell and the overall winner was golden retriever Juno and handler Michaela Dillon.