Mid Antrim Point to Point Prepare Grand National Big Screens
Joel Johnston of Donnelly & Taggart with William Thompson & Paul Ferguson and Coolidge
On Saturday 5th April punters can get two racing events for the price of one, as they can watch the Mid Antrim Hunt Point-to-Point at the Higgins estate, Moneyglass, and can also enjoy the excitement of the Aintree Grand National while relaxing with a pint in the bar tent. McLarnons are providing two large TV screens to cover the Grand National and there will be the normal programme of races for the point-to-point. The Mid Antrim Hunt are very grateful to the sponsors who are supporting this event. For a second year Donnelly & Taggart are very generously sponsoring the main race of the day which is the Open Lightweight Race. Donnelly & Taggart supply most of the major makes of 4×4 vehicles and are closely connected to the farming and equestrian community. When there is a tough challenge with difficult weather or heavy loads to pull, their vehicles are in a class of their own, and the Mid Antrim Hunt is very grateful that they have returned for a second year to support their point-to-point. The first race is for Maiden 4 year olds and Dennison Commercials are very valuable supporters of this race which they have sponsored for many years. Another generous supporter, Albert Bartlett & Sons are sponsoring the race for Maiden 5 year old geldings and McBurney Transport have shown their continued support by sponsoring the Maiden Race for 6 year old plus Geldings. This year there is a particularly special race in the programme which is dedicated to the memory of the very much missed Master Andy Hamilton. Andy, who was a Master of the Hunt until his death last November, was very active in racing circles and always put a huge amount of effort into the Mid Antrim racecourse preparation, regardless of his illness. This race is sponsored by Andy’s wife Judith together with his two good friends David Crawford and Richard Cowan and no doubt it will be a very emotional event.
For this point-to-point David Crawford of “The Garage” has taken up the challenge of acting as Clerk of the Course ably assisted by Paul Ferguson and a great team of helpers. Katrina Mackie who has previously fulfilled this role is injured after a skiing accident and unable to take part.
The point-to-point committee are hoping for a great day and looking forward to a very exciting double bill of live racing with the Grand National viewing as an extra bonus. The Higgins family have as usual been very supportive in keeping the course in great shape for the point-to-point and all the sponsors are very much appreciated for their loyalty. Last but not least are the farmers to whom the Hunt are very grateful for all their support and hope they will take a break from their work to come and enjoy the racing.
