New contest for Irish pointers at Doneraile

To win just once, to win just once was a popular little tune by Irish folk group The Saw Doctors. Now owners and trainers of moderate point-to-point maidens will have the opportunity to experience the feeling of winning a race for the first time, thanks to the introduction of a €5,000 contest at Doneraile Harriers on April 28.

The race is confined to six-year-olds and up who have not won a race under rules and who prior to the start of the current season (October 6) have not won a point. The race closes for entries on Tuesday.

Philip McLernon, chairman of the INHSC point to point committee, said: “We're excited about the running of the older race at the Doneraile Harriers point-to-point on April 28.

"The idea behind introducing this race was to give handlers and owners a nice incentive to keep older horses in training, and judging by the reaction the race has received it has been a welcome addition to the calendar."

He added: “The committee is really pleased the INHSC put forward this initiative to try to maintain the older horse population and we're delighted to put forward the increased prize-money for this race.”

Racing cancelled in Sri Lanka as mark of respect

The Royal Turf Club at Nuwara Eliya racecourse in Sri Lanka cancelled Sunday's Magic Million Cup raceday in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in the country in which more than 200 people have been killed.

Seven people have been arrested after the attacks, which took place at churches and hotels in eight separate locations in the country. Sri Lankan authorities have put a temporary block on social media and imposed a national curfew "until further notice".

A statement from the Sri Lanka Royal Turf Club read: "Royal Turf Club has unanimously decided to cancel today's RTC Magic Million Cup raceday, due to the prevailing emergency situation in the country.

"The decision was taken by the RTC committee as a mark of respect to the innocent souls who are affected by the sudden attacks in Colombo and other parts of the country on a peaceful Easter Sunday.

"The RTC sincerely wish peace and normalcy will return very soon while sharing our thoughts with families and friends who lost their loved ones."