IRISH POINTING COULD START EARLY

THE start of the Irish pointto-point season has been brought forward, with hopes it will be able to get under way in September.

Stewards of the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee (INHSC) have announced a proposed start in the week of 14 September.

The INHSC has consulted with hunt committees and is also aiming for at least an additional 30% in fixtures programmed in the autumn.

“We hope planning for an enhanced autumn season, starting earlier, will give owners and handlers extra opportunities to run horses they were unable to in the spring,” said INHSC senior steward Martin O’Donnell.