Point-to-point handlers last week welcomed the news that Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) has scheduled five additional National Hunt meetings in March following the Government’s announcement of continued Level 5 COVID-19 restrictions, which means no point-to-point fixtures can take place until 5 April at the earliest.

Three of the five meetings (Punchestown, Wexford and Tipperary) will be open to horses with hunter certificates and trainers with a point-to-point handlers’ permit can make entries.

The Fairyhouse and Navan fixtures will comprise largely of maiden hurdles.

The Irish Horse Regulatory Board (IHRB) is consulting with point-to-point handlers to identify the most suitable races for the first meeting specifically targeted at point-to-point horses at Punchestown on 15 March.

Chief executive of HRI, Brian Kavanagh said: “Horse Racing Ireland is very aware of the pressures being felt by those in the point-to-point community.

“Working closely with the Irish National Hunt steeplechase committee, the IHRB and racecourses, HRI has acted to ensure that some opportunities are available in the coming weeks. We very much hope that the national Covid-19 picture improves sufficiently to allow point-to-point racing to resume fully post-April 5 because of the role it plays in National Hunt racing and its importance to the rural economy.”

National Hunt extra fixtures

Friday, 5 March Fairyhouse (inside track)

Monday, 15 March Punchestown (inside track)

Monday, 22 March 22: Navan