Racing for Rickie

TODAY at Cork Racecourse funds will be raised for Rickie Healy, the 27-year-old huntsman from Mallow who suffered serious spinal injuries in a swimming pool accident in July. Among the items being auctioned after the fifth race are a photograph of Found signed by Aidan O’Brien and three stud boxes of FenuHealth products (worth €700 each).

Ballymacad event

THE Ballymacad Foxhounds are hosting their annual Non Jumping Day’s Hunting on bank holiday Monday, October 30th next in Dromone, just outside Oldcastle, Co Meath at 11am. It’s a great day out for people returning to riding or those who want to try out hunting and experience riding to hounds without the worry of jumping. Enquiries to 087 296 9137.

Teagasc reminder

TEAGASC is reminding those interested in attending either of their two upcoming evenings on Thursday, October 26th in Sligo and on Tuesday, October 31st in Kilkenny to book their tickets promptly.

Optimising Traditional Bloodlines will be held at Ard Chuain EC, Corballa, Co Sligo, October 26th starting at 7.30pm and speakers include Chris Ryan, Scarteen, Andrew Gardiner, Doonaveeragh and Liam Lynskey of Derryronane Stud.

Breeding the High Performance Horse will be held at Kildalton Agricultural College, Piltown, Co Kilkenny, with speakers Tom Brennan of Mill House Stud, Andrew Hughes, ESI, international show jumper and breeder Marion Hughes and Richard Sheane of Cooley sport horses.

Booking is essential at €20 and can be done online at https://teagasc.clr.events/

IPC festival

HOPING more than most that the weather holds up this weekend, are those competing in the Irish Pony Club international mounted games festival at Punchestown.

The action is due to get under way both mornings at 9am and in addition to the international competitions there will be Senior, Junior and Under 10 Branch events. The finals are due to start at 1.30pm on Sunday.