Anthony Fox takes feature at Dowth point-to-point
Ardcath jockey Anthony Fox, a twin brother of Irish Grand National-winning jockey Ger, partnered the Peter Flood-trained OurManMassini to victory in the feature race at the point-to-point at Dowth today.
Fox went to the front before two out to win unchallenged after Abigail Lynch was close in second place when exiting at the second last fence.
The winner will have a couple more outings in points before Christmas and then have a break with the Ladies Cup in Spring as the main target.
The 2016 Point-to-Point and Country Fair saw record visitors to the now annual event indicating a renewed interest in all things country and the Point-to-Point scene with some 5,000 patrons this year.
The card featured six races over three miles. Trainer John (Shark) Hanlon had a double with Rocks of Bawnree and Lady Jameson with Richie Harding on board both.
Division two of the The Tattersalls Ireland four-year-old maiden went to Redemption Song.
The Goffs Bloodstock Sales five-year-old geldings maiden went to Bordeaux Bill trained by JABerry.
The ITBA & Hannon Travel five-year-old mares maiden went to Midnight Walk , with the Boyds Stores six-year-old geldings maiden going to the Barry O’Neill-ridden Barn Braq.
A thrilling and hotly contested Pony Club Race after the last official race was won by Conor McGrath who romped home.
In addition to the racing action, there was an array of foodie treats on offer with event ambassador and Michelin star chef, Richard Corrigan as well as Ricki and Ger Roche-Garland of Hugo’s Farm Shop, Slane offering live cookery demonstrations.
The Boyne Valley Food Tent featured local, artisan producers sampling and selling their products in addition to the range of food vendors and barista coffee available onsite.
Flavours from around the world included oriental cuisine with Once Upon a Thai, gourmet burgers from In Meat We Trust, spicy chicken wings from The Wing Bar, savoury quiches, soups and salads by Rosita Moyles, succulent O’Brien-Lynch hog roasts or The Brown Hound artisan sandwiches at The Camper Cafe.
There was sweet treats from George’s Patisserie and barista-prepared coffees from Barista Bike & Coffee Buzz.
The Shopping Village hosted a wide range of lifestyle brands including Magee 1866, Carol Sheridan Interiors, Mc Dowell’s Jewellers, Chislers children’s boutique, PC Racewear, John Daly Carved Sticks, Mojo watches, Swaggles Dog Collars, Hampton Accessories, The R.D.A., Cara Mara Seaweed Baths, Brainteaser and an array of craft sellers.
There were also exhibits by photographer Síobhan English and artist John Fitzgerald who captured the action as he painted live on the day.
The Farm Africa charity ball for 350 people and also hosted by Devenish was held on-site last night.
The Farm Africa Kids’ Zone featured Bouncy Castles, Punch and Judy Shows, Magic Shows, Spooky Storytelling, Arts & Crafts, Pumpkin Carving, Welly Throwing and lots of outdoor games.
As charity partner for the weekend, Farm Africa was raising awareness for their work in Eastern Africa.
Complimenting all of this, were the local country fair exhibitors who including Newgrange Falconry, Michael Goulding of the The Royal Meath Bee Society and their exhibition hive, The Deer Society of Ireland, Fly-tie fishing demonstrations and also the Agri-Aware mobile farm.
“We were delighted with the huge turnout on the day and wish to thank everyone who was part of the day, be it organising or joining us in our celebration of community and country life at Dowth,” commented Owen Brennan, Executive Chairman of the Devenish Group.