TWO leading figures from the point-to-point scene have called on the racing authorities to increase the grants given to hunt clubs who organise point-to-points.

Frankie Ward and Richard Pugh believe that many hunts are losing interest in staging racing as a fundraiser due to the high financial risks involved, the voluntary manpower required, and the increased involvement of professional trainers which has squeezed out local horse owners.

Regional secretary in the western region, Ward operates at the coalface of the sport almost every weekend during the season. She said: “We must appreciate everything that Horse Racing Ireland has done for point-to-points but money is being saved due to the lack of divided races in recent seasons and yet the running costs are going up all the time.”

Ward suggests that HRI could pay for the two doctors which are required at points. This expense can cost hunts €800 on racedays. “Hunts have to pay for insurance, fences, wings, tents, public address, racecards, toilets and the commentator. If the cost of the doctors could be covered by HRI it would be a huge help.”

HRI chief executive Brian Kavanagh said: “Any reasonable request will be considered as part of our normal budgetary process. HRI is very supportive of the point-to-point sector and has increased its support by 39% over the last two years.”

Richard Pugh, co-founder of p2p.ie and a commentator, said: “The main issue is undoubtedly funding. When the recession first hit point-to-points were not affected as there was an influx of horses from the racecourse and those already coming through the breeding system. But now the point-to-points need help.”

While agreeing with Ward that a specific grant towards the provision of medical officers would be welcome, Pugh made two other suggestions. “It typically costs a hunt €15,000 to stage a point and the HRI grant is €9,300 but if racing is cancelled you get nothing. Some sort of compensation grant for hunts who genuinely do everything they can to stage racing but are beaten by the weather would be terrific. Another option could be a grant specifically to cover the cost of watering a track. Watering is rarely needed in this country but when it is needed the cost is significant.”

Both Pugh and Ward noted the news this week that a leading French jumps trainer has been so impressed by Irish point-to-points that he plans to organise France’s first point-to-point next year.

Emmanuel Clayeux, the trainer who started the racing careers of stars such as Sir Des Champs and Apple’s Jade, told EBN: “When I saw the atmosphere at point-to-points I thought it was worth trying to organise the same type of event in France in 2017. I am planning a full day of four to six races, with experienced horses ridden by international amateur jockeys.”

The races will be staged over English-style fences on Clayeux’s land near Moulins in the centre of France.

Pugh commented: “In France almost every horse that wins on the racecourse is for sale. That is not the case here, so point-to-points are our shop window. They are our advantage over France and we need to protect that.”