New Castle Lands venue for next Sunday’s point-to-points in Lismore - first race 1.30pm
It's all of 100 years since the now 'heritage town' hosted its first race meeting on the Duke of Devonshire's Castle Farm.
However, time and tide wait for no one and 2022 will go down as the year Lismore Pointto-Points relocated from its traditional home. The good news for the committee, those in the equine industry and the racing public is, it's only a case of 'moving down the road'.
There will be a new entry point, new parking arrangements and new scenery, but nothing major. Critically, point-to-point organisers in Lismore are assuring everyone the course will be as good as ever. In general terms, the new course is behind the community centre and Garda barracks. The grounds of both, Lismore Community Centre and Blackwater Community School will act as car parks. From either of these locations, it's only a short walk to the course.
A spokesperson for the committee said they were very hopeful that their new surroundings will be well received.
"We've enjoyed our time in the Castle Farm and we're departing with some great memories. I think we're very fortunate to be only moving 500 metres to our new home, which is also a fine galloping track. Hopefully, the weather holds up and we get a good crowd next Sunday," the spokesperson said.
RACING GETS UNDERWAY AT 1.30PM SHARP
Patrons are advised to be at the course in good time for the first race (4-year-old maidens) which gets underway at 1.30pm. This is followed at 2pm by the 5 & 6 yearolds geldings maiden. At 2.30pm, it's the turn of the 5-year-old mares to show what they can do. A half an hour later (3.00pm), the winners of two go to post.
The penultimate contest (3.30pm) is the open lightweight, with a race for 5-year-olds and upwards (unplaced maidens) concluding the programme at 4.00pm.
GREAT DAY'S RACING IN PROSPECT
With a very promising forecast for the weekend, it's expected a substantial crowd will make their way to west Waterford this weekend to see some of the equine stars of the future. While racing is an industry that remains open to change, point-to-points remain a vital staging post in the development of national hunt horses.
Lismore Point- to
Point committee are very grateful for the steadfast support they receive from local and national businesses. This sponsorship enables them to stage a safe and well organised event.