Portrush

TRACK GUIDE

---

Point-to-Point racing returned to the picturesque seaside town of Portrush in 2016 following a 40-year absence, and it certainly proved to be a memorable fixture, with the very first race being won by the ill-fated Finians Oscar, a horse who went on to win the Grade 1 Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown Park, just three months later.

Taking place in a field adjacent to track of the International North West 200 road races, the point-to-point at Portrush always draws a big crowd from the seaside town which is renowned for its holiday attractions and caravan parks.

With the exception of an uphill climb into the home straight, the course itself is quite a level and fair track, of a mile in circumference with the runners starting alongside the final fence. From there they race up in front of the judge, before climbing slightly on the bend towards fence one. After negotiating that obstacle, they race downhill into the back straight and jump fence two which is almost directly opposite their starting point. Continuing along the back, they jump fence three which is out of sight of the spectator enclosures, before beginning their longest run on the level.

As they turn at the bottom of the track to exit the back straight, they begin a notable uphill climb to the home bend, from where they jump two fences in the home straight which are well spread out.