Dowth Hall Point to Point Launched
25th September 2015
Dowth Hall Point to Point takes place on Sunday 25th October and was recently launched by representatives of the Meath Hunt & Tara Harriers Point to Point Committee and local producers from the Boyne Valley Food Series, alongside Devenish's Owen Brennan. Belfast headquartered animal nutrition company Devenish, are the host and title sponsor of the event, which takes place at Dowth Hall Demense in County Meath.
The Point to Point sees racing return to “The Old Racecourse” at Dowth Hall, established by the Netterville family in 1800’s and will feature six races all over three miles and fences. The galloping track is sure to attract some quality runners and the top amateur riders. There will be something for everyone on the day with bouncy castles for children and the Meath Foxhounds also parading. The highlight for all foodies will be the Boyne Valley Food Artisan Market which is being sponsored by Bank of Ireland and will feature local artisan producers showcasing their produce and where hungry racegoers will get to taste the delights on offer.
Devenish’s Owen Brennan commented
“We are delighted to be hosting the Meath & Tara Point to Point at Dowth Hall, continuing the tradition and association with racing that was
established here by the Netterville’s and continued by the Gradwell and Cameron families. I have been very impressed by the events in the Boyne Valley
Food Series and see quality food and racing complimenting each other really well.”
Richard Pugh, Director Tattersalls Ireland and Irish Point to Point Services added
“It is always exciting to see a new course introduced to the point to point circuit. Dowth Hall is a stunning venue with a testing but fair track that
Simon Walford and his team have produced. The venue is steeped in history and it is great to see racing returning to the venue. Previous owners, the
Gradwell’s, bred the winner of the Aintree Grand National in 1898, a horse called Drogheda.”
The Boyne Valley Food Series is a Failte Ireland supported series of food events promoting the food heritage of the Bru Na Boinne (The Boyne Valley). All are local start-ups, using home sourced produce to create quality food and drink produce, and the food and drink will be used in all catering on the day. The Boyne Valley Food Market is sponsored by Bank of Ireland and Mick O’Dowd (BOI) commented:
“ The agri-food sector is of immense importance to the national economy. We understand this at Bank of Ireland and – as the largest lender to the Irish economy, and the provider of more than 50% of all new lending to the agri sector – we are supporting food producers and farmers the length and breadth of the country. The Bank is also constantly improving our services to SMEs, and business loans of up to €100,000 can now be approved over the phone. Bank of Ireland is delighted to sponsor the Boyne Valley Artisan Market at the Dowth Hall Point to Point, and wish all participants a very successful day.”