Pressure for resumption of point-to-points maintained
Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) have been pressed for clarity on point-to-point racing this week in the Public Accounts Committee, by Cork East Labour TD, Seán Sherlock. Deputy Sherlock was questioning Brian Kavanagh, the CEO of Horse Racing Ireland, on the possible holding of racing and a likely timeframe.
“Where is the conversation now with the government, in real time, on the resumption of point-to-points?” asked Deputy Sherlock.
“Mr Kavanagh has made the point previously in respect of maybe running meetings on race courses. I speak specifically for Cork. I don’t think that it will be practical to run Kildorrery, Killeagh or Dromahane Point-to-Point meetings in Mallow Racecourse at this point in time. What we’d really like to see is the resumption of point-to-points in their natural state, in the locations that the many people who go to point-to-points would normally visit.
“In the absence of there being the possibility of people being able to attend point-to-points, can point-to-points be ran in original locations like Kildorrery and Dromahane for instance, and how soon will that happen?”
‘EARLIEST POSSIBLE DATE’
Responding, Mr Kavanagh said: “We are in constant contact with the Department of Agriculture. I put a written submission into them last Wednesday formally putting on the record that the resumption of point-to-points be considered at the earliest possible date. We’re all waiting to see what comes out of the news during the course of this week.”
“The second question in relation to how soon, I think within a reasonable timeframe of notice - 10 days perhaps or a week. There’s a great hunger amongst the point-to-point community to get going again, I would stress this is all outdoor activity. The race courses have operated successfully since June last with very strict protocols, no issue arising in relation to Covid. It has enabled the racing industry to continue to keep the wheels turning and we’re very pleased and very grateful for that. Of course, there’s an animal aspect to this as well, these horses are bought and trained to race in these races”.
Deputy Sherlock has written to the Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue following the questioning at the Public Accounts Committee to seek a further update on Point to Points.
IMPORTANCE LOCALLY
Councillor Frank O’Flynn also raised the issue at the recent Cork County Council meeting and called for a resumption of the events.
“At a recent meeting of Cork County Council, I tabled a motion calling for the immediate resumption of point-to-point racing.
“I described the livelihoods of breeders, trainers, owners and jockeys who depend on point-to-point racing and its important role in the economy. I outlined the importance of point-to-point racing, especially in County Cork and the significant part it plays in National Hunt racing and the horse racing industry.
“I got full support from Cork County Council to write to Charlie McConalogue TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food & the Marine, for the immediate resumption of point-to-points,” Cllr O’Flynn said.