THE move towards starting horses at an earlier age has ensured that the four-year-old maiden division now dominates much of the point-to-point landscape.

With more horses beginning their competitive careers at four, a greater number have already advertised their ability by the time they reach their five-year-old season and have subsequently moved on to race under rules.

One of the consequences of that shift has been a reduction in the number of horses remaining within the point-to-point system as autumn five-year-olds.

That category has been light on runners across the opening month of the new campaign, continuing a trend which has become increasingly evident during recent autumn seasons.

Last weekend provided a clear example. The five-year-old geldings’ maiden at Peppards Castle attracted just four runners, while the corresponding races at Sunday’s two fixtures each featured six. Small fields are unlikely to be the most appealing prospect for potential purchasers, particularly when contrasted with the larger four-year-old maidens.

That was reflected in the sales ring last year, when no autumn five-year-old point-to-point winner realised a six-figure price at public auction. However, the subsequent records of those horses suggest that these may deserve greater consideration.

Strong division

All of the wider statistics point towards the four-year-old maiden division supplying the bulk of the subsequent Grade 1 performers to emerge from the point-to-point fields.

Understandably, that is where much of the focus is directed for buyers. There has been further evidence of its strength in recent weeks. Seven horses who won four-year-old maidens last autumn were successful under rules during October alone, with Thinkitdontjinxit and Rattlin Home adding their names to that list earlier this week.

The understandable attention given to those four-year-olds can, however, results in the autumn five-year-old category being overlooked.

There were 26 maiden-winning five-year-old geldings during last year’s autumn term, and their progress in the relatively short period since paints a favourable picture.

A small number remained in the point-to-point fields, including Clough Clouds, who has already progressed through winners’ company to become an open lightweight winner this season.

The majority moved on to new connections, and many have already made a positive impact under rules.

Good results

When those yet to make their track debuts are removed from the figures, 81% of last autumn’s five-year-old maiden winners have gone on to either win or finish placed under rules.

That is a strong return from a group of horses whose point-to-point victories were recorded no more than 12 months ago. Their ages and previous racing experience may mean that they do not carry the same potential resale value as an impressive four-year-old maiden winner. However, the figures indicate that buyers are still acquiring horses capable of making an immediate impact on the track.

That is worth remembering as some of this autumn’s early five-year-old winners begin to come on the market.

Caroline McCaldin’s Castletown-Geoghegan winner Salvadorhill was offered through a ThoroughBid online auction yesterday, while Captain’s Song, who won at Umma House for Colin Bowe, will be offered at Goffs on Monday.

Neither emerged from the division which at this time of the year traditionally commands the greatest attention from buyers, but the record of last autumn’s five-year-old maiden winners suggests that the category does offer real value.

THE road to Ballynoe began at Tattersalls on Sunday as the first qualifier in the 2026/2027 Gain Mares Series took place, launching another season-long journey towards one of the most coveted prizes in point-to-pointing.

The opening leg saw Paul Bailie’s Boldplay secure the first victory of the season, and over the coming months, mares across the country will compete for the opportunity to earn their place in the final. The series continues to play an important role in the development of young mares while giving owners, handlers and riders a valuable target throughout the point-to-point season.

The 2026 final produced a landmark moment in the history of the series when Áine Connolly became the first female rider to win the prestigious Gain Mares Series Final with Josh Halley’s Lucy Wang.

As a new season gets underway, a fresh group of mares and connections will now set their sights on following in their footsteps.

An exciting journey

The 2026/2027 Gain Mares Series will continue at point-to-point fixtures across Ireland throughout the season, culminating in the final at Ballynoe next spring. A €3,000 bonus will be awarded to the owner of the winning mare in the final, subject to confirmation.

Speaking following the opening leg, John Hore, Business Manager at Gain Equine Nutrition, said:

“The start of the Gain Mares Series always marks the beginning of an exciting journey for everyone involved. Every season brings new mares, new connections and new stories, all with the shared ambition of reaching Ballynoe.

“We’re proud to continue supporting a series that means so much to owners, handlers and riders across the country. It showcases the strength and depth of Irish point-to-point racing and we look forward to seeing this year’s qualifiers emerge as the road to Ballynoe unfolds.”

Sarah Ann Madden of p2p.ie added: “The Gain Mares Series has become a highly valued part of the point-to-point season, and its longevity is testament to the continued commitment Gain Equine Nutrition has shown to the sport over many years.

“The series provides handlers with an important target for their mares throughout the season and creates real momentum across the point-to-point calendar.

“It was great to see the 2026/2027 series get underway at Tattersalls, and we look forward to following the qualifiers and their connections over the coming months.”

Ratings of the week

EL Jacko (91++) registered the biggest winning margin of the weekend’s six four-year-old maiden races when he stepped up notably from his debut to win by nine lengths at Curraghmore.

Coming from off the pace in a race run to a strong tempo, he put the race to bed when powering clear in between the final two fences. The four-year-old mares’ maiden on the same card was run to a slow pace, but the fact that Verdict Is In (82++) was able to extend eight and a half lengths of the runner-up shows the speed that she possesses.

In contrast, little over 11 lengths separated the 10 finishers in the four-year-old maiden race at Peppards Castle. That may not flatter Morning Fog (88+); however, he had little luck in running on the final circuit, and is likely better than the result might suggest. Secret Dispatch (87+) dominated the auction maiden on the same card.At Tattersalls, Cluain Meala (90+) finished the race out best of all, as he benefitted from coming off the pace, in a race which began to develop some way out.

Meanwhile, in a slowly run four-year-old mares’ maiden, Now U Have It (77+) was sharper than her rivals, having made her debut as a two-year-old two years earlier.