The true grassroots of Irish horse racing, Point-to-Point tracks are transformed from farmland by dedicated volunteers into temporary racetracks. Photographer Pat Healy and writer Richard Pugh introduce the riders, handlers, venues and famous horses that give Irish point-to-pointing such a unique spirit.
Category: Photography, Sport
HEALY RACING photography and Richard Pugh share their passion and knowledge of Ireland’s unique point-to-point horse racing scene.
Steeplechasing began in Ireland in 1752. Today the sport of point to pointing is thriving as a favourite rural pursuit and is for many their first experience of horse racing. At hundreds of pop-up races around the country dramas are played out, and horses, such as Best Mate and Honeysuckle, and riders, including Derek O’Connor, Jamie Codd, Davy Russell and Rachael Blackmore, begin their glittering careers.
THE ORIGINS OF PTP * THE COURSES COUNTRYWIDE * THE HORSES
* THE RIDERS * THE HANDLERS * THE GRASSROOTS OF IRISH RACING