Pointing manna - a collection of fine photos and words from jumping's heartland

Point to Point – The Heart of Irish Horse Racing by Healy Racing and Richard Pugh
€24.99/£22.99, published by The O'Brien Press

If this is to be the final instalment of a trilogy devoted to the energy, colour and drama of the Irish racing scene, then the best has been saved for last.

Pat Healy has already produced two gorgeous hardbacks dedicated to the visual images he and his family at Healy Racing have captured over the past decade. Thrills and Spills (2020) and Flat Out (2021) brought to life the respective National Hunt and Flat disciplines, capturing the life and vivacity of this great sport in spectacular panoramic and portrait form.

Donn McClean provided the extended captions for those, but they were essentially photographic homages. Anyone hoping for more of the same in Point to Point will be disappointed. This one sees a more even balance between words and pictures, with point-to-point aficionado Richard Pugh of p2p.ie providing in-depth, comprehensive copy to complement the extensive portfolio of stunning Healy snaps.

Beware oncoming traffic: The Healy Racing photographer captures the unique situation as runners head to the start at Farmacaffley point-to-point in ArmaghCredit: Healy racing

Dating back to his commentating days, Pugh has long had a knack of identifying a niche in the point-to-point realm, and he has landed on the money again here by compiling a potted history of the sport that will be manna for its many devoted followers.

He is a passionate anorak with an encyclopedic knowledge of the modern point-to-point world, and here he has been allowed to spread his wings under a variety of headings.

All the bases are covered in what is a treasure trove fusion of old and new. Gems include point-to-pointing's origins between the church steeples of Buttevant and Doneraile in 1752; its volunteer ethos; some compelling episodes in short story format; its fundamental role as a grassroots nursery for future horse and human track champions; the evolution into the commercial Leviathan it has become; and extensive sections dedicated to its most celebrated participants.

They're all there, from Norman Williamson, JT McNamara, Adrian Maguire, Rachael Blackmore, Derek O'Connor, Jamie Codd and Barry O'Neill to Michael Hourigan, Padge Berry, Tom Costello, Willie Mullins, Robert Tyner and Aidan O'Brien.

Healy Racing has been covering the point-to-point scene for decades and here captures the five-year-old future multiple Grade 1 winner Florida Pearl after his victory for Tony Costello at Lismore in 1997Credit: Healy racing

Here is one abridged passage that will resonate with track and point fans alike.

"While many top riders like to retire on a winner, the final ride for Tony Martin saw the supremely talented rider outfox the bookies one more time," writes Pugh.

"At Oldcastle on 28 March 2004 Martin was declared to ride Palace Cove, having not ridden in a point-to-point in two years. Martin also trained Royal County Star under Johnny Farrelly and Dun Doire under Colin Motherway in the same maiden.

"Bookmakers immediately installed Martin's mount as a short-priced favourite and the others as outsiders. Motherway was advised in the parade ring that his mount was a nice type for the future and to start him towards the rear and educate him accordingly.

The 1997 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Mr Mulligan lands his maiden at Nenagh under Tony Martin in 1994, with Healy Racing on hand to capture the successCredit: Healy racing

"When they arrived at the start, the money started to arrive for Dun Doire as Palace Cove notably drifted. As the starter called them in, Martin advised Motherway that Dun Doire should make the running and he had every chance of winning. Sure enough, that is what happened, and the bookmakers were caught cold. Martin had simply chosen to ride the lesser horse and beat the bookies yet again on what was to be his final ride."

There is a wealth of information and insight documented in digestible format, and then there are the rolls of honour, recording an extensive array of champions since 1980.

It makes for a wonderful potted history of a pursuit that has had its challenges lately, one that will serve as a go-to gift for its legion of enthusiasts in the countdown to Christmas. Moreover, it is now an award-nominated tome following its appearance on a shortlist of six for the Easons Irish Sports Book of the Year.

This review is exclusive to Members' Club Ultimate subscribers. Members can read more RPSunday content here:

'It could be the National and jump racing next' - should racing fear the RSPCA?

'I didn't take too many prisoners - I fired three people the day I started'

Voting is now open! Racing Post readers are invited to vote across the eight categories to decide the Cartier Racing Awards 2022 winners. Vote now and be in with a chance of winning a special Cartier prize.