Hard-hit Irish point-to-point sector boosted by increase in autumn fixtures

The Irish point-to-point season will be boosted this autumn with at least 30 per cent more fixtures set to be added to the programme in a bid to support those impacted by lost fixtures in recent months.

The 2020 autumn point-to-point campaign will begin on September 14, with the option of adding further fixtures during the season should the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee (INHSC) deem that sufficient demand exists.

The prospect of point-to-point bumper trials taking place over the coming months had been discussed following the cancellation of the current season on April 2, but Thursday's statement from the INHSC said that due to a number of varying factors, these events will not take place now as was envisaged.

Martin O'Donnell, senior steward of the INHSC said: "The stewards are acutely aware of the loss of so many fixtures in the spring season for the point-to-point industry and the consequential knock-on effects.

"With this in mind, we instigated a consultation process with all industry stakeholders and I would like to thank all those who took time to engage in this process."

He added: "We hope that planning for an enhanced autumn season, starting earlier than normal will give point-to-point owners and handlers extra opportunities to run horses which they were unable to do in the spring."

The autumn 2020 point-to-point fixture list will be published in the coming weeks, with a provisional summary of races to follow.

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