THE ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has had a number of negative impacts on the sport. However, Tuesday’s point-to-point race day at Fairyhouse was one of the undoubted positives to come from the disruption and upheaval of the spring cancellation, providing the equine and human stars of racing between the flags with a deserved day in the spotlight.

Inserted into the autumn track programme following the loss of the point-to-point cards at both Cork and Tipperary and the notable hunter chases that are run at the Punchestown Festival, the Point-to-Point Handlers Association and INHSC deserve a great deal of credit for seeking this replacement fixture. Similarly, Horse Racing Ireland and Fairyhouse Racecourse have to be applauded for giving the meeting the green light.