Danny does USA

Danny Mullins rode two winners over jumps in the southern American state of Georgia last weekend. He rides at a North Carolina meeting this weekend but will be back for Punchestown. His mother Mag reported: “Danny just went out for 10 days to see what it was like. He is enjoying it a lot but is coming back after the weekend.”

Martinstown series

The final leg of the Martinstown Stud series of races for claiming professionals takes place at Punchestown next Wednesday.

Kevin Sexton (63 points) holds a narrow lead over Jody McGarvey (59) and Luke Dempsey (56) in the jockeys’ table. Pat Fahy (38), Christy Roche (37) and Francis Flood (33) head the trainers’ standings. There are 10 points available for a win, seven for second, five for third, three for fourth and one for fifth. The series is sponsored by J.P. McManus.

Longchamp plan

The France Galop board of directors has voted to go ahead with the ‘Nouveau Longchamp’ project. A total of €51 million has already been set aside for the construction of a new grandstand but much more is needed and it is hoped that Qatar, sponsors of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, will give financial backing.

PTP Awards

This year’s point-to-point awards will be presented in the Hotel Minella, Clonmel, on June 6th. Tickets (€65 each) will go on sale through p2p.ie on bank holiday Monday, May 4th.

The event is under new management this year and the organising committee advises that there is less overnight accommodation available this year than in previous years.

Richard Pugh will again present the awards ceremony and the entertainment will be provided by The Mad Ass Mules and a DJ. Further information is available from Finola (086 061 4402) and Serena (086 364 1271).