Mid-Antrim Hunt holds point-to-point meeting on Saturday

MID Antrim Hunt holds its Spring point-to-point this Saturday, May 22, at the usual picturesque venue of the Higgins Estate at Moneyglass.

The point-to-point was originally to have been held last month but, due to ground conditions, was postponed until this weekend.

The Higgins estate provides a stunning location for a point-to-point with the course set in beautiful old-fashioned parkland with ancient trees and excellent viewing for the racegoers.

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The day will provide an opportunity for punters to watch some exciting racing as well as a visit to one of the few remaining examples of an unspoilt estate.

The point-to-point committee members have been hard at work preparing the course and would like to thank all the sponsors who have shown their usual generosity in spite of the difficult times at present.

They include:

Dennison Commercials Maiden Race For 4 Year Olds

Sunstart Bakery Winners Of Two - Confined

Etherson Travel Maiden Race For 5 Year Old Geldings

Temple Golf and Country Club Open Lightweight Race

Botannica Maiden Race For 5 Year Old & Upwards Mares

The Diamond Bar, Ahoghill Maiden Race For 6 Year Old & Upwards Geldings

Wilsons Auctions - Form Card

Topping Meats - Best Turned Out.

The first race is off at 2.00 p.m. Entrance to the race meeting is only 5 per person.

Peter O'Hara is providing the live music in the bar.

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The Mid Antrim members are very thankful to the Higgins family for allowing the use of their land for the event.

It will be the perfect way to round off a hunting season which was severely disrupted by the weather although in spite of the snow, the Mid-Antrim members did manage to clock up 31 days plus quite

a number of Autumn Hunting days.

There were still some notable days during the season and it ended on a high with a spectacular day out near Ahoghill on St Patrick's Day producing some testing hedges which were not for the faint-hearted. This was possibly the best day of the season judging by the faces of the returning riders.

Last summer 21 children completed their hunting certificates and to achieve this they were given instruction and had to pass a test on hunting etiquette. Those who had not hunted before rode out with hounds from the kennels and learnt how to behave when out with the hunt.

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There were two trophies presented to the young riders this year. The Huntsman's Trophy for the most outstanding young rider was presented jointly to the McLaughlin sisters, Orlaith and Saoirse who impressed everyone with their ability, politeness and dedication to their hunting.

This year there was a new award, the Chairman's Trophy, which was kindly donated by the Chairman of the hunt, Dr John Simpson. This was presented jointly to Jamie-Lee and Josh Mark in recognition of their helpfulness and enthusiasm.

The hunt is continuing with its Wednesday rides which are open to anyone with valid insurance and are especially suitable for people who want to introduce young horses to company, or for those who just want a nice day out. For details contact Patsy on 07748951218.

The hunt plans to build on their fund-raising efforts for good causes with a series of charity go-as-you-pleases on several Saturdays in September and details of these will be announced nearer the time.

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