THE weather may have tried to spoil things lately but the feelgood factor has returned to point-to-points this year.

Conditions at Lemonfield last Sunday were atrocious but there was not a grumble to be heard. Jockeys and handlers made light of the awful weather and the officials, both paid and voluntary, just got on with the job.

Every vehicle has to be towed in and towed back out again. The landowner didn’t mind too much – he said he had planned to reseed anyway. Well, we did the ploughing for him on Sunday.

Niall Byrne of the Turf Club deserves a special mention. And it was lovely to see Shark Hanlon at this meeting, where he won the four-year-old race, rather than at Leopardstown where he had two winners. There was simply a great atmosphere there.

What is the reason for the good spirits? I am at the coalface week-in, week-out and I believe that the point-to-point people can now see light at the end of the tunnel. The increase in funding for the hunts, the prize money boost, and the extra medical officers, all send out a message that there is finally some recognition and support for the sport.

In January, Minister Creed came to Aghabullogue and it was clear he appreciates the importance of point-to-points. He had already been lobbied by his friend Gerry Kelleher, trainer Eugene O’Sullivan, myself and others. He asked us to tell him what was needed and, to give him his dues, he delivered.

I’m hearing that there has been an increase in the number of hunter certificates registered lately and the entries for this weekend’s fixtures at Kirkistown, Horse & Jockey and Kilworth are all up on last year.

Unfortunately the rain has forced the cancellation of this Sunday’s Belclare meeting. I believe there were over 110 entries and it would have been a great day, but the organisers would have needed a helicopter to get the fences in place. The track itself is on a hill but the area is surrounded by water.

We haven’t had that much racing so far this year but the quality has been high. Just look at the prices some of these winners have been making at the sales. I was particularly delighted for Jimmy Mangan who sold his Tallow winner Castlebrook privately to Alan and Ann Potts.

The horse was entered for a hot bumper at Gowran Park this weekend. Jimmy, who was featured in The Irish Field last week, is a true legend of the pointing circuit and thoroughly deserved to land a nice touch.

Frankie Ward is a point-to-point secretary in the southern and western regions.