Easter Sunday’s Quakerstown Point to Point will bring plenty of enjoyment to its regular followers but also has a new focus this year.
The Quakerstown Easter Sunday Point to Point will host a Charity Auction in aid of the Irish Red Cross: Ukraine Crisis Appeal at the Co Clare Hunt meeting.
Over the years, the Co Clare Hunt has been noted for helping some very worthy causes, this includes bringing in over €20,000 with the running of the Pat Smullen Legends Race in aid of Cancer Trials Ireland in 2020, €15,000 in 2019 for Breast Cancer Ireland, and almost €30,000 for Clare Suicide Bereavement Group over the last five years.
This year, the organising committee have decided to do their bit for the Ukraine Crisis and support the Irish Red Cross in raising funds that will help them to continue their work on the ground in Ukraine where they are working to repair vital infrastructure, to support health facilities and to help families with life-saving food and hygiene items.
Auction items include a weekend away at Hotel Minella, Clonmel courtesy of well-known hotelier and trainer, John Nallen; a Four-ball at the K-Club; and a Peter Curling Print donated by Regional Point to Point Secretary Frankie Ward. Horse Racing Ireland have also kindly donated a framed and signed print of Minella Indo and Rachel Blackmore winning the Aintree Grand National in 2021; a moment that saw history being made with Rachel being the first female jockey to win the race.
A designer suit sponsored by Louis Copeland Galway, a Four-ball at Lahinch Golf Club, and two tickets to see Manchester United Play, donated by Newtown Stud Kildare, are just some of the other fantastic Auction Items up for grabs. The Auction will take place following the final race of the day, with Auctioneer and Point to Point Commentator Ger Hannon hosting proceedings.
“We urge you to come along on Easter Sunday and not only enjoy some top-class racing and a family day out, but to support a very worthy cause at the same time. We’ve all been touched by what is happening in Ukraine at the moment, and by donating to our auction, you can help raise some vital funds for the Irish Red Cross who are out there working to save lives. The auction will be open to everyone to bid on the day but we will also welcome phone bids and bids via our Facebook page; Quakerstown Point to Point. Don’t miss out on some excellent prizes for which we are so grateful to all who have donated,” Ger explained.
Quakerstown Point to Point boasts giving a winning start to racing stars such as Champagne Fever; a two-time Cheltenham Festival winner, Bacardys; dual Grade 1 Winner, and Alaphilippe, a Grade 2 winner who was 2nd in at the Cheltenham Festival this year. The meeting promises some exciting racing and is hopeful to produce some more future stars this year, as well as giving the public a chance to browse trade stands and Artisan Food Stalls, take part in the Dog Show and Pony Rides, watch the Co Clare Hunt Hound Display, and for those who are feeling stylish, enter the Red Mills Most Appropriately Dressed Competition.
