June Bank Holiday is the time for hats, horses and handsome men and all three can be found in abundance at the famous Kinsale Point to Point.   The course at Farrangalway is a firm favourite with trainers, owners and jockeys alike and a bumper field is anticipated for two days of top racing.  A win in Kinsale has been a good omen for many champion horses.  A hat trick of 4 year old mares who were first past the Farrangalway post last year – Pure Style, Still Believing and Abigail Lynch – have gone on to major success in Ireland and in the UK.   
 
Gerry Wycherley, Chairman of the Organizing Committee said, â€œKinsale mixes the very best of racing with a festival atmosphere for all the family.  Our Sunday Funday this year will be bigger than ever with the Ladies’ Grand National, our Best Dressed Competitions with a prize fund of over €5,000, our Dog Competition with a fantastic family holiday in France up for grabs, free entertainment for children, the Derby live on our big screen, the beer tent, live music, and much more.  This year we have invited KYSS (Kinsale Youth Support Services) to be our charity partner.  They do very important work with the young people of Kinsale and surrounding areas, and we are delighted to help them in any way we can.”
 
Rogue Fitness, Charlotte & Jane, Hattitude of Kinsale and the Old Head Golf Links are among our major prize sponsors this year, along with Divine Gowns, Canvasworks, Wayne Lloyd Creative Hairdressing, Anika and Sandra Beauty Salon,  Angels Secrets, Daisychain Florist, The Blue Haven, The Edge Hairdressing, Jane Boutique, Fab Fillies and Egan’s Opticians.
 
Point to Point Clerks of the Course Donal Lordan and Eugene McKenna said, â€œWe are delighted with the conditions at the moment.  We’ve had a huge team of volunteers up there building fences and preparing the ground and it will be kept under constant review between now and race day.  Watch our website and Facebook page for updates.”
 
All the local talent will be out in force at the Farrangalway course on Sunday 2nd June, from celebrity chef Martin Shanahan with his Fishy Fishy champagne marquee to Anthony Collins of the White Lady Hotel, whipping the crowd into party mood with music and his inimitable commentary on the social side of the day.   There will be live music after the last race on Sunday so leave the car at home and use the free shuttle bus from Kinsale Tourism Office to enjoy a few jars, fantastic live music and some mighty craic.  Why go anywhere else this June Bank Holiday?
 
Kinsale Point to Point Racing Festival, Farrangalway
First race Saturday 1st at 5pm, and Sunday 2nd at 3pm.
 
Go to www.kinsalepointtopoint.ie for information and directions.
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