The Killinick Harriers point to-point at Lingstown will play host to a charity race organized by Kilmore Quay native Johnny Berry in aid of mental health and suicide awareness.
The Charity Race will involve riding a circuit of the Lingstown track on the flat which will be about a mile and a half in length and the participants riding in the race will consist of point-to-point handlers and ex-riders which is sure to draw big interest to the fixture later this month.
Berry, who has been working alongside Cllr Frank Staples, founder of the ASK from the Ask mental health awareness campaign, explains about how plans have progressed for the race.
“I have 40 handlers and riders that have confirmed they will be riding and contributing to raising funds for the cause, but I am aware that there are two other point-to-points on that day so hopefully we will get a good turn out.”
Trainer Shark Hanlon has volunteered to do the scales for the race and in the picture above we can see him getting some practice in when weighing in Jamie Scallan at Damma House last weekend.
Some big names from within point-to-pointing look set to take part in the races, including Denis Murphy, Colin Bowe, Donnchadh Doyle, Mick Goff and Warren Ewing, who will be travelling down from Antrim to also get involved.
“We are only meant to be hacking around but there’s been a great buzz since I’ve started asking lads to take part.
“They’ve told me that they’re getting horses ready for the race, and their competitive sides have started to come out, so they are all out to win it. It could turn into a bit of a sprint!”
Riders participating in the event will pay an entry fee to get their name on the racecard and they have already been given a sponsorship card to raise funds for the event, with a raffle also set to be held on the day.
The Charity Race will take place after the last race on the Lingstown card on Sunday 24th November and all are encouraged to come along and support this worthy cause while also having the opportunity to watch the handlers and ex-riders participate in the race and it is not too late for other handlers ex-riders to get involved.
“I rang as many people as I could but I couldn’t ring everyone so if there’s handlers or ex-riders that would like to take part in the race and help raise funds then give me a ring, as it’s for a really good cause and we want as many people involved as there can be.”
