Disappointment over scheduling of the first four-year-old auction maidens

The first four-year-old auction maiden was staged at Kirkistown on Saturday and the initiative, which was introduced by the INHS committee, has generated plenty of discussion.

It is unfair to write it off at such an early stage as, with a number of tweaks, it could prove popular. However, the scheduling of the four races in its opening season has done it no favours.

When the idea of these races was mooted, members of the Point-to-Point Handlers Association were asked for their thoughts, with the association broaching the subject at a meeting in the autumn.