Loss of traditional pointing finale fixtures is something we don't want repeated

Every sport needs to build to a finale. This week the jumps season comes to a climax at the Punchestown festival following the other major spring meetings.

Through the years the end of the point-to-point season was built up around the title races that were decided at the end-of-campaign carnival fixtures at places like Necarne and Kinsale. Sadly both of those two-day meetings will not take place this year.

Over the years, the Fermanagh venue has played host to many memorable northern title deciders involving leading riders. Its location, far removed from any other course yet just ten miles north of Enniskillen, ensured that many of the travelling participants stayed overnight and the party atmosphere was one that few other fixtures could replicate.