AS the 2016/17 point-to-point season came to a close, Irish Thoroughbred Marking (ITM) staged a draw for all handlers who trained a mare to win a point during the campaign.

There were 182 winning mares in total, produced by 98 individual handlers, and five winners were chosen, each of whom will receive a voucher worth €1,000, redeemable on a filly at any of the three store sales in Ireland.

The winning handlers are Colin Bowe, Aidan Fitzgerald, James King, Colin Motherway and Seamus Spillane. On learning of his win, Co Cork-based Motherway stated: “I’m delighted to receive this prize. This is a great initiative to help mares, especially with the recent improvements to the mares’ race programme.”

During his time in the saddle, Colin was noted for having a way with mares. Good track winners for the rider included Joanne One, on whom he won the Listed ITBA Fillies Scheme EBF INH Flat Race at Navan for John Kiely in November 2012, while between the flags winners that come to mind are the Christine Keymer-trained Shining Lights and Frank McGuinness’s Blazing Sky. “I love mares and they have been lucky for me,” concluded Motherway.

Charles O’Neill, CEO of Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, commented: “ITM are delighted to announce the winners of the point-to-point mares’ handler award. This initiative should further encourage point-to-point handlers to purchase fillies at the store sales. Improving the market place for National Hunt fillies will continue to be a focus for ITM.”