Irish Horse visited Dowth point-to-point and country fair which attracted a record crowd of an estimated 5,000 people last Sunday – almost double last year’s attendance.

Members of the Meath Hunt and Tara Harriers were out in force at the beautiful venue where the Brennan family hosted a successful charity ball the previous evening in support of Farm Africa.

Glorious sunshine and warm temperatures swelled Sunday’s crowds to such an extent that long queues quickly formed for the six-race card.

Just back from Asian travels on behalf of Horse Sport Ireland was chair Prof Pat Wall, who only landed back on Irish soil hours earlier while Dowth Hall owner Owen Brennan, executive chair of Devenish Nutrition, outlined to The Irish Horse the fascinating racing history of the venue which dates back to the 1700s.

This is Devenish’s second year to host the Meath and Tara point-to-point at what was the old racecourse synonymous with former Dowth Hall residents, the Gradwell family (1851-1951), breeders of Drogheda, the winner of the 1898 English Grand National. On display on Sunday was the beautiful Gradwell Trophy for the winners of the open race. The silver trophy is its own piece of history having originally been presented to Mr John Gradwell for winning the 1852 Garisker Steeplechase. “We were delighted with the huge turnout on the day and wish to thank everyone who was part of the day, be it organising or joining us in our celebration of community and country life at Dowth,” said Owen Brennan afterwards.

In addition, The Boyne Valley Artisan Food Producers, winners of the Foodie Destination of the Year award, exhibited their wares to an appreciative audience, while Michelin star chef Richard Corrigan and Hugo’s Farm Shop provided tips aplenty in cookery demonstrations. Halloween fun combined with live exhibits from Agri Aware and birds of prey, including a Golden Eagle from Newgrange Falconry, seen making his first solo flight captured by RTE’s cameras just days previously, all proved real crowd-pleasers as did the live singing from The Vintage Barber Shop singers who were supporting Farm Africa’s fundraising.

WINNERS

On the track, there was lively betting action in the ring where double honours on the day went to Shark Hanlon with Rocks of Bawnree winning division two of the Tattersalls Ireland four-year-old maiden and Lady Jameson taking the James Gogarty Stone winners of two mares’ race, both under Richie Harding who now has 200 winners to his name.

The first race and division one of this huge entry went to Denis G. Hogan’s lovely grey Mastercraftsman mare Redemption Song with Niamh O’Flynn of Tattersalls on hand for the presentation.

Nick Nugent of Goffs Bloodstock Sales presented the five-year-old geldings maiden won by Bordeaux Bill, trained by J.A. Berry, while the Peter Flood-trained Ourmanmassini won the feature race of the day, The Savills Open under Anthony Fox. Harriet Grant of Savills made the presentation to the winning connections.

The ITBA & Hannon Travel five-year-old mares’ maiden went to P.G. Coffey’s Midnight Walk, with the Russell Boyd Memorial Cup for the six-year-old geldings’ maiden going to the Barry O’Neill-ridden Barn Braq, trained by Denis William Moore.

The lively pony club race was won by a delighted Conor McGrath. Racing commentary was provided by Richard Pugh while paddock MC was Brendan McArdle.