AN increase in prize money for point-to-point races for older horses and the introduction of a sales levy on point-to-pointers sold at public auction would go a long way towards ensuring the survival of hunt clubs, point-to-points and smaller handlers.

That is the view of Gerry Kelleher, chairman of the Irish Point-to-Point Handlers Association.

A huge increase in insurance costs in recent years has forced numerous hunt clubs to shut down and the future of point-to-pointing itself has come under pressure as hunt clubs scrambled to get a new insurance scheme over the line.

At a summer meeting point-to-point handlers suggested the introduction of a voluntary sales levy which would see them contribute 0.3% of the price achieved for pointers at public auction into a fund which the handlers would control and distribute among hunts. It was also suggested by the handlers that the sales companies would make a contribution too.

However, as the bulk of that money would not be collected until next spring, the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board decided to increase the fees for hunter certificates (up €35 to €100) and entries (up €10 to €70) this autumn, with the aim of raising an extra €200,000 to cover insurance.

These higher charges are being applied across the board, making things more difficult for smaller handlers.

Kelleher said: “Many handlers and owners are feeling the pinch. Even if you only have one horse, you need to take out public liability insurance which is €900. Point-to-points are so professional nowadays that you cannot get your horses fit enough at home. You have to take your horses to schooling days in order to be competitive.

“I am taking three horses to a schooling race next week and I estimate the total cost will be €500 for the day. Add in the higher cost for hunter certs and entries and you would worry that some people will drop out.”

Kelleher says an increase in prize money for races confined to older horses would help. “At the moment the prize money for open races and older maiden races is €1,750, with €1,225 going to the winner. It’s just €800 for four- and five-year-old maidens as those winners are very valuable anyway.

“We would like to see the older horse prize money increased to €2,000 for January 1st. That would help but the sales levy would be a real game-changer.”

Goffs sell point-to-pointers at Punchestown, Aintree, Newbury and at its Doncaster sales complex, while Tattersalls holds monthly sales at Cheltenham during the jumps season. Tattersalls Cheltenham turned over £20 million last year, suggesting a 0.3% levy there could raise £60,000 from the handlers alone.

“Distribution of this money would be controlled by the handlers,” Kelleher said. “They would support the hunts because without the hunts you don’t have point-to-points and you don’t have sales.”