FRANKIE Ward, regional secretary for point-to-points, has welcomed the increase in prize money for the sport which was announced in Horse Racing Ireland’s 2018 budget plans.

Starting this week, there will be €1,500 on offer for all point-to-point races other than maidens restricted to horses aged four and five. Previously these races were worth only €1,000 or €1,200.

“This is where the money is really needed,” Ward said. “It is a lifeline for smaller owners and trainers. We need to keep this people in the game. This has given them a boost heading into the new year.”

Ward has actively lobbied Horse Racing Ireland and the Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed, in recent years on behalf of the sector. “They have worked miracles to find the money this year and I have been in touch with the Minister and [HRI chief executive] Brian Kavanagh to thank them.”

Point-to-point prize money will increase by €161,000 in 2018. The administration grants for point-to-points will be maintained at the increased level of €6,500 per fixture.

Ward is unimpressed with suggestions that the autumn point-to-point season should be cancelled in an effort to boost the number of runners in bumpers and maiden hurdles on the track at that time of the year.

“The autumn season has been a great success, you only have to look at the prices some of those horses are making at the sales,” Ward said. “If the autumn season was cancelled a lot of trainers would go out of business. I don’t believe they would switch to having runners on the track. There would be a knock-on effect for lots of other ancillary businesses too.

“Point-to-points are also part of local culture. I attend them every weekend and I can see the local support and the tourists they attract. It must continue to be supported.”