Reins at the ready for the inaugural Hannon Travel Anglo-Irish Point-to-Point Challenge. Taking place as part of Ireland’s largest point-to-point and country fair at the Devenish Lands, Dowth, on Sunday 29 October, Ireland’s top point-to-point jockeys will face-off against Great Britain’s equivalent.

Lining out for Team Ireland at the Co Meath event will be leading lady jockey and face of point-to-point 2017 Lisa O’Neill; six-time champion ladies’ title holder Liz Lalor; the most successful Irish point-to-point rider of all time Derek O’Connor; two-time national champion Jamie Codd; Maxine O’Sullivan; Shauna Larkin; Barry O’Neill; and Rob James.

Saddling up for Team Great Britain will be holder of the record for the most wins in a UK season Will Biddick; Gina Andrews, who has been crowned ladies’ champion four times; Claire Harwick; John Dawson; Tabitha Worsley; Katy Lyons; Alex Edwards; and Evan David, for what promises to be a thrilling contest.

Richard Pugh, founder of P2P.ie, describes the inclusion of the Anglo-Irish Point-to-Point Challenge at Dowth this autumn as very exciting: “This meeting takes place before the British season is underway, so all of their top riders are available to compete. Adding this challenge to such a well-attended event is sure to bring a terrific atmosphere on the day – and it’s a real opportunity for Irish point-to-pointing to showcase our sport to our UK neighbours.”

Over 7,000 people are expected to attend the Dowth Point-to-Point and Country Fair where there will be a huge range of attractions, including Maperath Mobile Farm, Newgrange Falconry, the Royal Meath Bee Keepers, the Deer Society, the Fly-Tiers and gun dog, shooting and archery demos. A new addition to this year’s fair is the Equipet Dog Show, and there will also be a shopping village, artisan food market, grow your own workshop and many more family friendly activities on the day.

Sitting on 420 acres, the Devenish Lands at Dowth contain a rich array of Neolithic and medieval archaeology. It is part of the Unesco World Heritage Site of Brú na Bóinne and hosted racing as early as the 1700s. Acquired by Devenish and the Brennan family in 2013, the Devenish Lands and Dowth Hall are currently undergoing restoration work to restore the house to its former glory. Devenish is a sustainable farming and food company that provide innovative nutritional solutions and technical expertise to the livestock, feed and human health industries. CL

Tickets are €10 each and under 12s go free. For more information and to purchase tickets, see www.dowthp2p.ie.