THERE was a fantastic period of racing over the Easter break and it was nice to see the numbers of runners in point-to-points increase.

Although it did not divide, we did have a full field for a mares’ maiden at Loughanmore which was encouraging to see.

In Loughbrickland the four-year-old maiden was taken by the John Brennan-trained Cappuccino Man. This bay son of Waveney was in the front rank throughout and stayed on very strongly to run out a comfortable winner.

Cappuccino Man was second on his debut at The Pigeons behind the Patrick Turley-trained Pride Of Lecale. This race has also thrown up subsequent winners Stage One and Red Hanrahan and looks to have been one of the better four-year-old maidens run so far this year. Pride Of Lecale has since been sold at Brightwells to Donald McCain for £30,000 and that looks very good value.

The biggest cheer of the day at Loughbrickland went to Loughbricklandrose, who is owned and trained by the Kidd family, owners of the point-to-point track. Loughbricklandrose was the first winner for the family at this meeting in their own colours for 23 years!

The Kidd family has been involved with point-to-points for a long number of years. Mayne Kidd, who trains adjacent to the track, rode in points as did his brothers John and Robert. Among the horses to have raced successfully for the family were Hillhead and Allenroid.

Loughbricklandrose was extra special for the family as her sire, September Storm, stands at the nearby Ballyash Stud, owned by John Kidd.

Today’s generation may know the Kidd name through twin sisters Jackie and Jennifer, both of whom rode successfully. Jackie had 15 winners from 355 rides, while Jennifer has the same number from 214 rides.

Both ladies are now married, Jackie to former Limerick Racecourse manager Russell Ferris, who now works for At The Races, and Jennifer to racing writer and broadcaster Richard Pugh of p2p.ie. Jennifer is also on the panel of Turf Club doctors and was among the first on the scene when Robbie McNamara had his bad fall at Wexford Races last weekend.

From our personal point of view there is always one other benefit of going racing at Loughbrickland and that has to be the catering. Without a doubt the burgers provided by the hunt members at the back of the weighroom have to be the best in the land and long may this continue!

Paul and Peter Magill are long-time supporters of the northern point-to-point circuit.