THE point-to-point community is in mourning this week following the passing of Johnny Vance. Johnny represented the true Corinthian point-to-point participant. Steeped in hunting and point-to-pointing, he thoroughly enjoyed his race-riding for many years and endeared himself to everyone whom he met along the way.

Johnny’s father, Billy, was joint-master of the Fermanagh Harriers from 1963 until his death in January 2016. Billy was also a well-known figure on the point-to-point circuit and rode the mare Annie Sue VI to 16 of her 20 wins.

Two of that mare’s progeny, Voldi and Annies Arthur, provided Johnny with many of his wins in points. Voldi ran 79 times from 1992 to 2002 and won seven, with Johnny aboard for four of them. He also won four on Annies Arthur.

In 1998 at Oldcastle, Johnny Vance won on a third produce of Annie Sue when Ballysadare Bay came home in front.

Oldcastle was the venue of one of Johnny Vance’s best days in the saddle when he partnered a treble in 1998 when scoring on Paddy Red, Ballysadare Bay and Boyne Valley Hero. For good measure, on what was a very proud day for the Vance family, his sister Susan chased him home in the adjacent hunt race on Voldi.

Well-know colours

The Vance family’s green colours with buff hoops were as well known in the North as any silks are today. Johnny was a horseman with infectious enthusiasm for the sport. Victories were truly appreciated and his genuine delight in success of others was both generous and admirable.

He rode 20 winners during his career and rode three-quarter-length throughout, with a most distinctive yet deceptively effective style.

Johnny also played a pivotal role in the Fermanagh point-to-point for many years as had his father Billy. He epitomised the history of the sport itself, crossing over from hunting to point-to-pointing seamlessly on a weekly basis.

When people talk about the true characters of Irish point-to-points, it is peope such as Johnny Vance to whom they are referring.

Johnny Vance died last Tuesday and his funeral service took place on Thursday. He is survived by his wife Sylvija and children Daniel, Arabella and Chloe, as well as his mother Maeve and extended family.