ONE person who was well-pleased with the way the season unfolded was the tireless Frankie Ward who not only was fully behind the ITM ladies’ series but was more than happy to help publicise those meetings that set out to attract new faces to point-to-pointing.

“Those hunts who put on extra items such as dog shows, food fairs and best-dressed competitions gave a great lift to local communities and you need to have the locals on board if you want point-to-pointing to survive and grow.

“I was very pleased with how the ITM ladies’ series took off, particularly as it was pulled together very quickly.

EXTRA PRIZES

The ladies have proved themselves and the hunts have been great in providing extra prizes. For example Liz Lalor, who not only won the series but was crowned ladies’ champion for the sixth time, was bowled over to receive a packed hamper from the English Market in Cork after winning a leg of the series.

“The good news is that ITM is going to repeat its sponsorship of the ladies’ series next season, starting during the autumn campaign.”

Frankie believes that the extra funding made available earlier in the year by Horse Racing Ireland for older horse maidens also proved a boon to lady riders as it gave them more opportunities which, in turn, gave the handlers more confidence to put them up on their horses.