The Stewards of the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee (INHSC) have released the fixture list for the upcoming Autumn 2021 Point to Point season. A total of 34 fixtures have been scheduled between Saturday 25th September and Sunday 12th December 2021. As a result of the interrupted Spring 2021 Point to Point Season, and having reviewed the whole season recently with stakeholder representatives, the Stewards of the INHSC have approved an enhanced Autumn 2021 schedule of fixtures consisting of three fixtures less compared to 2020 but five additional fixtures compared to 2019. These additional fixtures are programmed to accommodate the large number of horses, particularly older horses, who had restricted opportunities last Spring.
Unfortunately, it was not possible to accommodate all Hunts that expressed an interest this Autumn, but we believe 34 fixtures are appropriate based on the feedback received from stakeholders and the various constraints we have to operate under. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Hunt Committees throughout the country for their patience throughout the Spring and for reacting quickly to stage fixtures successfully and safely when Point to Points were permitted to recommence. All scheduled Point to Point fixtures will adhere to Government guidelines applicable at the time. The Covid-19 Protocols for holding Point to Point meetings will be amended in consultation with IHRB Senior Medical Officer, Dr. Jennifer Pugh ahead of the season and we will liaise with Hunt Committees in this regard.
Work has commenced on the Provisional Summary of races which will be released in due course.
Commenting on the Autumn 2021 fixture list, Martin O’Donnell, Senior Steward of the INHSC said:
“The Stewards of the INHSC are pleased to announce this fixture list, 10 weeks in advance of the first scheduled fixture at Ballymacad (F) on 25th September to facilitate Handlers and everyone in the industry to begin preparations with certainty ahead of what will be a busy season. We are confident with the extra fixtures scheduled there are plenty of opportunities for Point to Point Owners and Handlers, particularly of older horses, who had such limited opportunities this Spring. All Point to Points will be run in accordance with Government guidelines applicable at the time and it is imperative that everyone in the Point to Point community continues to adhere to the Covid-19 protocols which worked so well last season. I would like to thank all Hunt Committees who applied to hold a fixture in the Autumn Season but unfortunately, it was not possible to accommodate every hunt. Hopefully we can revert to a normal Autumn schedule in 2022. I want to reassure Hunt Committees that the Stewards of the INHSC, the Registrar, Paul Murtagh, and all IHRB staff will continue to assist in every way possible to ensure Point to Points are held successfully and safely again this Autumn and beyond.”
Please see fixture list attached below:
