The NI P2P 2023 awards was held at Downpatrick Racecourse
The initial Northern Ireland Point-to-Point Awards event endorsed by the Down Royal Corporation of Horse Breeders (DRCOHB) and former owners of the Lisburn course was staged after the race meeting at Downpatrick writes Joe Kavanagh ©.
Maghera-based jockey Dara McGill received the Leading Rider award with 10 winners. McGill, a graduate of the pony racing circuit, brought his career total to 21 having partnered his first winner in 2021.
Dara is a brother of Oran, sons of local trainer Gary McGill and the brothers climbing the amateur rider ranks. McGill said: “I’m absolutely delighted to pick up this trophy.”
Derrylin handler David Christie recorded 15 Winners during the season and has assembled a top class team of hunterchasers.
The Fermanagh trainer has had a difficult year spending over two months in hospital while his son David Junior took the reins during his spell on the side-lines.
Christie said: “It’s been a difficult period in recent months but we’re getting back to normal. I’m pleased with the results this season and want to thank owners for their support.
“I’ve collected the trainer’s award a couple of times at the ITBA Awards but think this is a great step forward in recognising the point scene.
“Vaucelet ran his race but I think a bigger galloping track suits him best.
“Perhaps a mare’s hunterchase could be added in future and would welcome the conditions changed to allow British runners in the big race. My thanks to Downpatrick and the organisers of this event which I view as a great success.”
Bold Enough with 5 wins collected the leading horse award and is owned by Ray Nicholas. Nicholas said: “ My passion has always been the point to points.
“It’s been a wonderful season and I’m lucky to have with my friends a team of excellent horses but my thanks must go to David ( Christie) for consistently producing them at the top of their game despite him having a very tough period earlier this year.”
The Leading Breeder Award went to Killinchy based Alan & Bill Dunlop with Annaghbeg – a three times winner between the flags.
The family have a very long association with local racing and already owned an Irish Grand National winner in Organisedconfusion which won in 2011 for trainer Arthur Moore and Nina Carberry aboard.
The lifetime award was won by Wilson Dennison, who has produced race horses and point-to-point horses for many years. The popular winner of the lifetime award has enjoyed wins at a number of racecourses including Downpatrick, Punchestown,Aintree and Cheltenham.
The presentation was hosted by TV presenter Pamela Ballantine.
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